On Wednesday 1 May 2024, the Goldfields Health Professionals Network hosted the Beyond BMI education event in Kalgoorlie, which featured a series of presentations by subject matter experts on a range of topics related to person-centred weight management care for health professionals.
Andrea Vermeersch, Healthy Weight Program Coordinator at WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), explained that the event brought together health professionals from various fields to discuss weight management topics, including weight stigma and bias, person-centred care, GLP-1 agonist medications, referral pathways, community-based services and the Kalgoorlie Integrated Chronic Disease Care (ICDC) program.
“The event demonstrated a collaborative effort to change the narrative around weight. With GPs, medical students, allied health professionals and staff from WAPHA and WACHS in attendance, the event highlighted a collaborative interest in improving patient health and wellbeing outcomes,” Ms Vermeersch said.
During the event, Ms Vermeersch delivered a presentation on the SHAPE (Supporting Holistic and Person-centred Weight Education) website and the Conversations About Weight eLearning modules to support health professionals to play a more central role in helping patients with weight concerns.
“Through the shared vision of person-centred weight management, it is evident the Goldfields is passionate about compassionate, person-centred weight management care, ensuring that every sensitive, yet important conversation, is a step towards better health and wellbeing outcomes,” Ms Vermeersch said.
For further information about the Beyond BMI education event or ways your practice can assist patients with weight concerns, call Practice Assist on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478 or 08 6278 7900) or email practiceassist@wapha.org.au