Abstract:
With a lack of consistency in the pediatric primary care provider, the use of pediatric overweight and obesity screening and the diagnosis and initiation of treatment planning for this vulnerable population is unmatched by the rising rate of the obesity epidemic. This project aims to encourage consistent use of the United State Preventative Screening Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines for pediatric overweight and obesity screening. Guided by nationally recognized recommendations, clinical practice changes involving educating providers, using the guidelines, and accurate diagnosis and treatment planning documentation. Education will be provided to four pediatric primary care providers, two Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and two Medical Doctors (MDs) regarding the USPSTF guideline specifications for screening, diagnosis, and treatment and the recommendations for treatment planning. The support staff will also be informed of the project to help ensure accurate measurements are obtained at every patient encounter. Implementation will span a two-to-three-month timeframe allowing for the accumulation of sufficient data. A retrospective chart review will be the primary source of data collection in addition to pre-and post-education and pre-and post-implementation surveys for pediatric primary care providers. The final objective is to see a significant increase in a patient diagnosed appropriately and treatment plan initiation to address unmet needs across this vulnerable patient population. The potential implications of this project would justify additional health maintenance parameters for pediatric patients and the need for improved nutritionist access, the growth of community outreach programs, and improved pediatric patients' health outcomes. Improving pediatric health outcomes can reduce comorbid diseases in adolescents and early adulthood, reducing healthcare expenditures across the population.
Audience Take Away:
- How to improve provider practices for pediatric overweight and obesity screening
- EHR considerations for improved patient screening and treatment planning.
- Help determine barriers to multidisciplinary care of overweight or obese pediatric patients
