title: Family-health professional relations in pediatric weight management: an integrative review.
abstract: In this integrative review, we examined contemporary literature in pediatric weight management to identify characteristics that contribute to the relationship between families and health professionals and describe how these qualities can inform healthcare practices for obese children and families receiving weight management care. We searched literature published from 1980 to 2010 in three electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL). Twenty-four articles identified family-health professional relationships were influenced by the following: health professionals' weight-related discussions and approaches to care; and parents' preferences regarding weight-related terminology and expectations of healthcare delivery. There was considerable methodological heterogeneity in the types of reports (i.e. qualitative studies, review articles, commentaries) included in this review. Overall, the findings have implications for establishing a positive clinical relationship between families and health professionals, which include being sensitive when discussing weight-related issues, using euphemisms when talking about obesity, demonstrating a non-judgmental and supportive attitude and including the family (children and parents) in healthcare interactions. Experimental research, clinical interventions and longitudinal studies are needed to build on the current evidence to determine how best to establish a collaborative partnership between families and health professionals and whether such a partnership improves treatment adherence, reduces intervention attrition and enhances pediatric weight management success.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Farnesi
authors.forename: G D C
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Ball
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Newton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D003142:Communication; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004644:Emotions; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs