Evidence map›Paper›PMID 32898176›Full record

ArticlePloS one2020

Participant experiences of a low-energy total diet replacement programme: A descriptive qualitative study.

Nerys M Astbury, Charlotte Albury, Rebecca Nourse, Susan A Jebb

Open access · goldAbstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 18 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
18citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
7.2field-weighted citation impact, top 3% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

18 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 29 citations in OpenAlex.

  1. Pooled it
  2. The Acceptability and Experiences of Participating in a Preoperative Intentional Weight-Loss Programme From Diagnosis to Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2026
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  9. Living With Spasticity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Patient, Carer and Physician Experiences.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2024
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.

Nerys M AstburyNuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care, Oxford, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0001-9301-7458
Charlotte AlburyNuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care, Oxford, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0002-1036-6626
Rebecca NourseNuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Susan A JebbNuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Primary Care, Oxford, United Kingdom.
University of Oxford · GB

Funding

Department of Health
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionThe participants' experience of low-energy total diet replacement (TDR) programmes delivered by lay counsellors in the community for the routine treatment of obesity is currently unclear. We interviewed a sample of twelve participants who took part in the Doctor Referral of Overweight People to Low-Energy total diet replacement Treatment (DROPLET) trial and were randomised to the TDR programme.

methodsWe purposively sampled twelve patients who took part in the DROPLET trial, and conducted in-depth telephone interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview questions focused on participants' experiences and perceptions of the TDR programme. We conducted a thematic analysis, actively developing themes from the data, and used the one sheet of paper (OSOP) technique to develop higher-level concepts.

resultsNine key themes were identified; Reasons for taking part, Expectations, Support and guidance from the counsellor, Time to build a personal relationship, Following the TDR Programme, Adverse events, Outcomes from the TDR, Weight Loss Maintenance, Recommending TDR to others. The relationship between participants and the counsellor was central to many of the themes. Close relationships with counsellors facilitated TDR adherence through providing one-to-one support (including during difficult times), sharing expert knowledge, and building a close relationship. Adherence was also supported by the rapid weight loss that patients reported experiencing. Overall participants reported positive experiences of the TDR, and emphasised the positive impact on their wellbeing. DISCUSSION: Patients reported that a TDR programme delivered by lay counsellors in the community was a positive experience and effective in helping them to lose weight. Future trials should consider the central role of the person providing support and advice as a key component in the programme.

Indexed as

Caloric RestrictionDietQualitative ResearchWeight Reduction ProgramsAdultAgedCounselingFemaleHumansInterpersonal RelationsMaleMiddle AgedWeight Loss

Identifiers

PMID32898176
PMCPMC7478843
OpenAlexW3080226101

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.