{"id":131131,"date":"2026-06-29T20:00:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T18:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/easo.org\/?p=131131"},"modified":"2026-06-29T20:00:47","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T18:00:47","slug":"meet-the-adult-coms-unit-of-therapeutic-patient-education-geneva-university-hospitals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/easo.org\/fr\/meet-the-adult-coms-unit-of-therapeutic-patient-education-geneva-university-hospitals\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Adult COMs: Unit of Therapeutic Patient Education, Geneva University Hospitals"},"content":{"rendered":"

We are pleased to introduce the Unit of Therapeutic Patient Education for Obesity and Diabetes at Geneva University Hospitals<\/a>, an Adult COM in Switzerland, led by Prof. Zoltan Pataky, MD. This COM provides multidisciplinary, person-centred care for adults living with obesity, integrating medical, nutritional, psychological and behavioural approaches within a structured Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) model. Alongside clinical care, the unit is actively involved in research, education and professional training in obesity and chronic disease management. The centre is also a WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research in the Field of Education and Long-Term Follow-up Strategies for Chronic Diseases, reflecting its longstanding expertise in patient education and chronic disease care.<\/p>\n

Welcome, Professor Pataky. What is the philosophy behind your COM\u2019s approach to obesity care?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Key elements of obesity management in our specialized unit include approaches that consider the perspectives, experiences and life circumstances of people living with obesity. These include setting personalized goals, planning actions and supporting their implementation within the framework of Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE), as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).<\/p>\n

TPE is the cornerstone of our care model and has been developed at Geneva University Hospitals since the 1970s. This structured, person-centred approach supports people living with obesity in developing the skills and confidence needed to manage their condition and improve their health and quality of life. It is defined as a structured and lifelong learning process that helps individuals identify their needs, mobilize their own resources and explore sustainable changes to achieve their health goals, with the support of healthcare professionals, their loved ones and their community.<\/p>\n

A fundamental principle of TPE is the recognition of the patient as a full expert partner in the therapeutic process. Individuals living with obesity are not passive recipients of information but active participants in decisions concerning their health and care pathway. Our programmes are developed in close collaboration with patients and tailored to their individual medical, psychological and social needs.<\/p>\n

Outside the healthcare setting, it is the patient who, day after day, makes decisions, adapts behaviours and manages their condition as part of comprehensive obesity management in everyday life.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you. Could you please tell us about your multidisciplinary team\u2019s activities, both in clinical work and research?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our multidisciplinary team is composed of 11 physicians, 7 nurses, 4 dietitians, 3 psychologists, 3 specialists in adult pedagogy, 1 art therapist and 1 physiotherapist. The team is trained in both obesity management and TPE, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to care. Our specialised unit offers individualized obesity management programmes of varying durations, integrating the full range of evidence-based treatments available for obesity. Depending on individual needs, this may include individualized medical follow-up aimed at initiating and monitoring pharmacological treatment, consultations with multidisciplinary specialists and structured therapeutic education delivered in individual or group formats.<\/p>\n

We also offer structured TPE programmes through individual consultations, workshops and group sessions addressing nutrition, eating behaviours, psychological aspects, physical activity and treatment options including pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Dedicated programmes are available to prepare patients for bariatric surgery and to support long-term follow-up after surgery. In addition, we provide specialised group programmes for eating disorders and individual and group art therapy. More information about the Therapeutic Patient Education programmes is available here (in French)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What research, innovation, and achievements has your COM been involved in recently?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our unit is actively involved in clinical research and international collaborations. We are:<\/p>\n