Decision-making in the management of obesity: a scoping review protocol.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review will evaluate the current published literature on decision-making in obesity management. INTRODUCTION: Obesity is increasing in incidence worldwide. Although indications have been established for a variety of available treatment modalities, treatment selection must also factor in patient preferences, clinician expertise, and resource availability. Such considerations are crucial given the exponential expansion of new surgical techniques and pharmacologic options in the last decade. Although literature exists for decision-making on various obesity management topics, there are no scoping reviews systematically mapping the literature. This scoping review is timely given that the treatment of obesity has evolved into a multidisciplinary endeavor with myriad management decisions that both patients and clinicians must navigate. INCLUSION CRITERIA The review will consider for inclusion full-text primary studies, published in English from the year 2000 onwards, pertaining to decision-making in obesity management for health care providers involved in obesity management for patients aged ≥18 years. METHODS: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Embase (Elsevier), MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), and Cochrane Central (Wiley) will be systematically searched using a predefined strategy. Two independent reviewers will conduct a 3-tiered screen of identified articles, with a third reviewer resolving disputes. Data extraction will be performed using a predefined, yet flexible form. Descriptive summaries and mapping will be provided for included studies. Available evidence and knowledge gaps will be identified and summarized as they relate to specific concepts, populations, and contexts in obesity management decision-making.