Delivering equitable care experience to hospitalised people with higher weight: A service-wide survey of inpatients and staff

Aim: Caring for people with higher weight and complex health needs is increasingly common in hospitals. This study aimed to explore and compare inpatient and staff perspectives on the care of people with higher weight. Methods: Cross-sectional study using purpose-designed surveys within Metropolitan Victoria, Australia. Inpatients (who weighed over 100 kg) and hospital staff who provide care across four hospitals were invited to complete an inpatient-specific or staff-specific survey, respectively. Surveys contained questions related to clinical care, environment and dignity/respect. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics of scale-based items, and textual synthesis of free-text responses. Results: Thirty inpatients and 59 staff participated. Most inpatients reported their clinical care needs were met (73%–83%) and described appropriate equipment and staff support. However, 25% felt judged or emotionally unsupported, with some experiencing delays in care due to staffing or equipment availability. Staff were less positive, with 73% reporting difficulty accessing equipment, 71% citing inadequate staffing and only 39% agreeing that non-stigmatising care was provided. Differences in weight-related terminology preferences emerged: inpatients favoured the terms ‘higher weight’ (27%) or ‘obese/overweight’ (34%), while staff preferred ‘bariatric’ (71%). Three themes were identified: (1) Inappropriate equipment, delays to equipment-access can negatively impact on inpatient experience of care; (2) Processes of care and communication influence inpatient experience of care; and (3) Weight-related stigma. Conclusions: Addressing gaps in care requires improved training, better resource access and alignment of language with consumer preferences to reduce stigma and deliver person-centred care.