Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation of an Occupational Health Guideline Aimed at Preventing Weight Gain Among Employees in the Netherlands

Objective: To assess barriers and facilitators to implementation of an occupational health guideline aimed at preventing weight gain. Methods: Barriers and facilitators to implementation were assessed among 14 occupational physicians (OPs) and employers and analyzed following a systematic approach using Atlas.ti. Results: Barriers and facilitators mentioned by OPs and employers were related to the sociopolitical context, organization, OP, and guideline. Recommendations include the formation of a linkage group, collaboration with other experts, formation of peer support groups, and communicating benefits of investments, expectations, and ethical considerations. Results of this study recommend incorporating these barriers and facilitators in the guideline, including strategies about how to overcome barriers and stimulate facilitators. Conclusions: The identified barriers and facilitators can be used to increase the chance of successful implementation of the final guideline into occupational health practices throughout the Netherlands.