RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Factors influencing primary care provider referral for bariatric surgery JF Canadian Family Physician JO Can Fam Physician FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada SP e107 OP e117 DO 10.46747/cfp.6803e107 VO 68 IS 3 A1 Zevin, Boris A1 Sivapalan, Nardhana A1 Chan, Linda A1 Cofie, Nicholas A1 Dalgarno, Nancy A1 Barber, David YR 2022 UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/68/3/e107.abstract AB Objective To identify barriers to and facilitators of primary care provider (PCP) referral for bariatric surgery in patients with obesity.Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched and reference lists of included articles were screened to identify additional relevant articles. Two reviewers independently reviewed citations and full-text articles, and appraised the quality of the included articles using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Tool Qualitative Checklist and the Appraisal Tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. They extracted data on the study characteristics and the barriers to and facilitators of PCP referral for bariatric surgery. Appraisal discrepancies were resolved through consensus among authors.Study selection Overall, 882 citations were identified and 18 articles were then selected for this review.Synthesis Barriers included fear of surgery complications and side effects, cost, lack of availability, perception that surgery is a quick fix or a last resort, and prior negative experiences. Facilitators included direct requests from patients, patient motivation, previously failed weight-loss interventions, and obesity-related comorbidities. Those PCPs who were knowledgeable about the risks and benefits of bariatric surgery were more likely to refer their patients.Conclusion Education and continuing professional development programs regarding bariatric surgery are needed to improve PCP knowledge and capacity to manage patients with obesity. Also, educating the general public on obesity, weight management, and available treatment options can empower patients and families to manage their weight and pursue evidence-informed treatments.