Influence of registered nurses' attitudes toward bariatric patients on educational programming effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes registered nurses' (RNs') attitudes toward obese adult patients using the Attitudes Toward Obese Adult Patients Instrument.


METHODS
Full-time RNs (N = 119) employed in a medical center, acute rehabilitation institution, and skilled nursing facility participated in the study.


RESULTS
Findings revealed that RNs have positive attitudes toward obese adults. RNs were concerned about personal and patient safety. Respondents recognized the complex care needs of bariatric patients and the increased workload associated with meeting these demands. There were differences in attitudes between medical center RNs and acute rehabilitation RNs, possibly related to differences in workload and length of stay.


CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of bariatric educational programming may be improved if RN attitudes and concerns are measured and addressed.
Zuzelo
Patti Rager
PR
La Salle University and Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Nursing Administration, 2nd Floor Levy Building, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA.
Seminara
Peggy
P
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004645:Empathy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008019:Life Style; D009341:Negativism; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010551:Personality; D011287:Prejudice; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012449:Safety; D013240:Stereotyping; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload