Introduction Bariatric case managers (BCMs) are crucial in serving clients undergoing bariatric surgery in China. Understanding the perspectives of experienced BCMs regarding their roles in bariatric case management remains limited. This study seeks to understand the perceptions of experienced BCMs regarding their roles in bariatric care. Methods This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 29 experienced BCMs, each having more than three years of involvement in the field or experience with over 1000 patients. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Results Three themes emerged regarding BCM perceptions: "The ''Prevention-Intervention-Feedback'' Closed-Loop System in Comprehensive Safety Management", "Dual Tension between Emotional Labor and Patient Empowerment", and "Professional Identity Reconstruction within Systemic Constraints". Experienced BCMs expressed mixed feelings about their roles, emphasizing safety for patient management. They also advocated standards for BCMs. Conclusion The findings highlight the unique role and contributions of the BCM within the Chinese context. Experienced BCMs prioritize patient safety while providing case management. Developing a national BCM alliance or fostering bariatric nurse specialists who establish standards for bariatric case management is essential for future professionalization. A national care and research platform is advocated for quality improvement.
[1]Guangzhou Med Univ, Affiliated Brain Hosp, Dept Gen Surg, Guangzhou, Peoples R China.
[2]Guangdong Engn Technol Res Ctr, Translat Med Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, Peoples R China.
[3]Jinan Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1, Dept Metab & Bariatr Surg, Guangzhou, Peoples R China.
[4]Shandong Univ, Qilu Hosp, Outpatient Dept, Jinan, Peoples R China.
[5]Nanjing Drum Tower Hosp, Dept Pancreat & Metab Surg, Nanjing, Peoples R China.
[6]Wuhan Univ, Zhongnan Hosp, Hepat Biliary Pancreat Surg Dept, Wuhan, Peoples R China.
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[8]Second Hosp Anhui Med Univ, Dept Gastrointestinal Surg, Hefei, Peoples R China.
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[11]Capital Med Univ, Beijing Friendship Hosp, Dept Metab & Bariatr Surg, Beijing, Peoples R China.
[12]Nanjing Med Univ, Affiliated Hosp 3, Gastrointestinal Surg Dept, Nanjing, Jiangsu, Peoples R China.
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[15]Xuzhou Med Coll, Affiliated Hosp, Metab & Bariatr Surg Ctr, Xuzhou, Peoples R China.
[16]BenQ Med Ctr, Metab & Bariatr Med Ctr, Suzhou, Peoples R China.
[17]Peoples Hosp Jiangsu Prov, Dept Metab & Bariatr Surg, Nanjing, Peoples R China.
[18]Third Peoples Hosp Chengdu, Gastrointestinal Minimally Invas Ctr, Chengdu, Peoples R China.
[19]First Peoples Hosp Yunnan Prov, Dept Gastrointestinal & Bariatr Metab Surg, Kunming, Peoples R China.
[20]China Med Univ, Affiliated Hosp 4, Dept Gen Surg 4, Shenyang, Peoples R China.
[21]Shanghai Sixth Peoples Hosp, Dept Metab & Bariatr Surg, Shanghai, Peoples R China.
[22]Changchun Jiahe Surg Hosp, Dept Metab & Bariatr Surg, Changchun, Peoples R China.
[23]Second Hosp Qujing City, Dept Minimally Invas Bariatr Surg, Qujing, Yunan, Peoples R China.
[24]Hebei Med Univ, Affiliated Hosp 1, Dept Gastrointestinal Dis Ctr 1, Shijiazhuang, Peoples R China.
[25]Fudan Univ, Huashan Hosp, Dept Obes Hernia Surg, Shanghai, Peoples R China.
[26]First Hosp Harbin City, Dept Gen Surg 1, Harbin, Peoples R China.
[27]Shanghai Jiao Tong Univ, Shanghai Peoples Hosp 9, Sch Med, Dept Gen Surg, Shanghai, Peoples R China.
[28]Zunyi Med Coll, Affiliated Hosp, Gastrointestinal Surg Dept, Zunyi, Peoples R China.
[29]Huazhong Univ Sci & Technol, Union Hosp, Tongji Med Coll, Gastrointestinal Surg Dept, Wuhan, Peoples R China.
[30]First Peoples Hosp Kunming City, Dept Gastrointestinal Thyroid & Hernia Surg, Kunming, Yunnan, Peoples R China.
[31]Cent South Univ, Xiangya Hosp 3, Gastrointestinal Surg Dept, Changsha, Peoples R China.
[32]Int Obes Soc, Hong Kong, Peoples R China.
[33]Shenzhen Polytech Univ, Sch Med Technol & Nursing, Shenzhen, Peoples R China.
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