PD618 - MAPPING OF OBESITY PREVENTION AND TREATMENT SERVICES IN SLOVENIA WITH THE WHO’S SERVICE PACKAGE DELIVERY AND IMPLEMENTATION TOOL

PD618

MAPPING OF OBESITY PREVENTION AND TREATMENT SERVICES IN SLOVENIA WITH THE WHO’S SERVICE PACKAGE DELIVERY AND IMPLEMENTATION TOOL

M. Brovč^1,*, M. Gabrijelčič Blenkuš¹, M. Kovač Blaž^2,3, P. Vračko¹

¹National institute of public health, Slovenia, ²ZD Ljubljana, ³University of Ljubljana, Medical Faculty, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Rationale: Obesity is a major global public health challenge, so health systems are encouraged to strengthen prevention and treatment capacities in line with the World Health Organization (WHO)'s recommendations. To support countries in achieving universal health coverage and SDGs, WHO developed a Service Package Delivery & Implementation (SPDI) tool that enables countries to assess their health service provision. 

Methods: This study aimed to map obesity-related health services in Slovenia while piloting the WHO SPDI tool to assess service delivery for children and adults. A qualitative study was used with 20 purposively selected key stakeholders involved in obesity care across different healthcare settings. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to complete the SPDI tool and to identify gaps in service delivery through qualitative content analysis.

Results: Most WHO-recommended obesity-related services are available in the Slovenian health system; however, their implementation is heterogeneous. There is no national strategy for managing obesity nor unified guidelines for its treatment, but it is generally addressed in the Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy. Services are better established for children than adults; however, there is a major gap in the transition from pediatric to adult care. Additional challenges included workforce shortages, organizational barriers, and limited knowledge about obesity. 

Conclusion: This study provides the first insight into obesity-related service delivery in Slovenia. Improving healthcare quality and outcomes for the increasing number of individuals living with obesity requires strengthening health system capacities, reducing gaps in service delivery, and ensuring equitable access. Additionally, continuous long-term monitoring of patients and health-promoting environments should be encouraged.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared