Morgan Sonya, Mihlar Sheharazade, Wood Emily, McKinlay Eileen, Gibbs Helen, Parker George, Gray Lesley
Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand.
University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
HERD. 2025 Apr;18(2):502-520. doi: 10.1177/19375867241238442. Epub 2024 Mar 21.
This research describes the physical environments of and equipment in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) general practices in relation to available standards for big-bodied people (BBP) seeking healthcare.
The prevalence of BBP both in NZ and globally has increased over the last 30 years and is expected to increase further. As the first and most utilized point of contact for patients in NZ and many countries, it is essential that general practices provide suitable environments to cater for and meet the needs of big-bodied patients seeking healthcare.
An exploratory study utilizing an environmental investigation was undertaken in three diverse general practices. Data collection consisted of direct observation and physical measurements of practice layout and equipment. Findings were compared to the existing guidelines or standards for the healthcare of BBP.
The analysis identified most environmental facets and equipment in all three general practices did not meet published guidelines for the care of BBP.
In the global context of increasing and sustained prevalence of BBP, this exploratory study highlights it is crucial that general practices and similar community-based facilities review their physical environments and equipment and consider modifications to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and comfort for BBP.
本研究描述了新西兰（NZ）普通医疗诊所的物理环境和设备，这些与寻求医疗保健的大体型人群（BBP）的现有标准相关。
在过去30年中，新西兰和全球范围内大体型人群的患病率都有所上升，并且预计还会进一步上升。作为新西兰和许多国家患者的首个也是使用最频繁的接触点，普通医疗诊所提供合适的环境以满足寻求医疗保健的大体型患者的需求至关重要。
在三个不同的普通医疗诊所进行了一项利用环境调查的探索性研究。数据收集包括对诊所布局和设备的直接观察和实际测量。将研究结果与现有的大体型人群医疗保健指南或标准进行比较。
分析发现，所有三个普通医疗诊所的大多数环境方面和设备都不符合已公布的大体型人群护理指南。
在全球范围内大体型人群患病率不断上升且持续存在的背景下，这项探索性研究强调，普通医疗诊所和类似的社区设施审查其物理环境和设备，并考虑进行改造以提高对大体型人群的可及性、包容性和舒适度至关重要。
