Abstract
Background: Pediatric subspecialists can participate in the care of obese children. Objective: To describe steps to help subspecialty providers initiate quality improvement efforts in obesity care. Methods: An anonymous patient data download, provider surveys and interviews assessed subspecialty providers’ identification and perspectives of childhood obesity and gathered information on perceived roles and care strategies. Participating divisions received summary analyses of quantitative and qualitative data and met with study leaders to develop visions for division/service-specific care improvement. Results: Among 13 divisions/services, subspecialists’ perceived role varied by specialty; many expressed the need for cross-collaboration. All survey informants agreed that identification was the first step, and expressed interest in obtaining additional resources to improve care. Conclusions: Subspecialists were interested in improving the quality and coordination of obesity care for patients across our tertiary care setting. Developing quality improvement projects to achieve greater pediatric obesity care goals starts with engagement of providers toward better identifying and managing childhood obesity.
Highlights
Pediatric obesity has medical consequences across a broad spectrum of body systems, including lipid disorders, hypertension, sleep disordered breathing, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and orthopedic disorders [1]
Among division/services representatives interviewed, nine of 13 reported having informal policies or directives in place for the identification of overweight/obese patients. These primarily involved including patient body mass index (BMI) and BMI percentile in the EMR visit documentation
While representatives from primary care services indicated that they have a key role in identifying obese/overweight patients, those from subspecialty divisions had varying opinions
Summary
Pediatric obesity has medical consequences across a broad spectrum of body systems, including lipid disorders, hypertension, sleep disordered breathing, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and orthopedic disorders [1]. The. Expert Committee provided guidelines for pediatric obesity care [1]. Providers are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary obesity management teams. These teams may include nurses, physical therapists, physicians, psychologists, and/or administrative staff members [1]. Methods: An anonymous patient data download, provider surveys and interviews assessed subspecialty providers’ identification and perspectives of childhood obesity and gathered information on perceived roles and care strategies. Conclusions: Subspecialists were interested in improving the quality and coordination of obesity care for patients across our tertiary care setting. Developing quality improvement projects to achieve greater pediatric obesity care goals starts with engagement of providers toward better identifying and managing childhood obesity
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