Obesity is a disease that affects many Americans. This disease is leading many people fighting obesity to turn to bariatric surgery as the only option. While bariatric surgery is a proven effective option for weight loss, patients who do not adhere to the lifestyle changes and follow-up regimen may suffer from weight regain and other complications. Clinicians working with bariatric surgical patients are now required by accrediting bodies to track adherence rate of follow-up appointments after bariatric surgery. Due to regulation with accreditation in bariatric surgery, facilities are required to maintain a minimum of 80% adherence to follow-up appointments. Data analysis revealed a follow-up adherence rate below 80% in an outpatient clinic. The processes regarding behavioral health assessments capturing follow-up adherence was analyzed and determined to be insufficient; thus a new instrument was adopted. The behavioral health assessment instrument used in capturing follow-up adherence and other barriers to care was changed to a valid and reliable instrument. Data analysis of follow-up adherence rates was reanalyzed at 1 month after change to determine whether rates had increased.
