Over the last few years, the demand for bariatric services has grown steadily - as more people have become aware of the risks that are associated with becoming overweight. According to the World Obesity Atlas, by 2035, the number of adults living with obesity will rise to 1.53 billion.
It’s now considered to be an epidemic, and many people want to seek out services to help them achieve their desired weight loss that is not only evidence-based but personal to them, rather than an identikit approach currently offered by some health services. What drives business success for bariatric clinics in this climate and how do these services ensure good patient outcomes for all?
The factors affecting the success of bariatric clinics
Currently, the bariatric market is very competitive with many of the same clinics offering very similar services. If clinics want to stand out from the crowd, they need to differentiate themselves by offering services that are:
Personalised
Evidence-based
Holistic
Every clinic will have a diverse client base and each of their patients will have different healthcare needs according to how much weight they want to lose, or any pre-existing health conditions they might have - some may even have had poor experiences at other facilities in the past.
Currently, the market is somewhat fragmented too - because some clinics might specialise in different forms of weight loss programs like vegan, paleo, low carb, or intermittent fasting regimes, whilst others may take a more holistic approach offering hormone testing - and some are now even offering DUTCH services to female patients who may be experiencing menopause-related weight issues.
The weight management market is also subject to various regulations and standards that aim to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the services provided and these will vary by location. Rules regarding surgeries and drug administration will differ from country to country, as each locale will have its own Government and Health Service regulations to adhere to.
Lastly, it’s important to consider how the bariatric market is being affected by the development and implementation of new technology and innovations that aim to enhance and improve the delivery and outcomes of services for patients. We are now seeing an increase in the number of digital platforms mobile apps and online portals that assist bariatric clinics in improving patient health.
Emerging technology like AI and blockchain is also enabling more personalised, data-driven, and transparent weight management solutions for patients both in the clinic and when they’re managing their weight loss alone and at home.
The role of good patient outcomes for successful bariatric clinics
The business of weight management clinics is of course, lucrative - but it’s also incredibly rewarding, and achieving good patient outcomes is key to maintaining long-lasting success. One of the chief ways this is done is by building up a trustworthy business-style relationship between clinicians and patients that delivers measurable results.
How can bariatric services ensure good patient outcomes that provide sterling care and treatments? Well, it requires focus to be placed on the following elements of their service:
Strategic planning
Marketing
Customer service
Continuous improvement
Current market trends offer some key takeaways for bariatric clinic services to mull over:
Think about the true target market: Clinics will always have a diverse range of customers, from those who want to lose substantial amounts of weight, or those who need to lose a little to improve their health. To stand out from the crowd identify your ideal customer profile, and tailor any services you provide to their needs only. For example, do you want to assist women who are entering menopause? Men who have weight challenges? Or do you want to assist patients who have specific health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular illness?
Tailored and personal solutions: These days customers demand more than just a quick fix. They want tailored programs that address the root causes of their weight issues and help them maintain a better standard of living. To ensure good patient outcomes, offer comprehensive and personal solutions that include weight loss treatments alongside other therapies such as nutrition, mental health check-ups, and exercise plans. Offering advanced technological services such as metabolic testing, body composition analysis, and hormone tests can aid customers' progress and provide them with feedback and guidance which will ultimately improve their outcomes.
Brand building: Ensure your clinic and any advertising materials reflect your values, mission, vision, and goals. Invest in solid marketing and promotions across as many digital platforms as possible, but don’t forget about all important word-of-mouth referrals, online reviews, and partnerships with other wellness-related services that can help you expand your reach and credibility.
Ensure customer service standards are high: Good patient outcomes require excellent customer service. Their satisfaction is crucial to your success - making sure they have a positive and memorable experience at your bariatric clinic means they’re more likely to stay with you long-term (if needed) and recommend you to others who might need your services. Creating a welcoming, comfortable, and friendly environment is key. Always ask for customer feedback and whether it’s good or bad act on it accordingly to make sure the service being offered is of a superior standard.
This article was written by a guest author, Nina Winslow.