Abstract
BackgroundChildren with overweight often do not receive appropriate integrated care. An innovative integrated network approach of preventive care for overweight children aged 4–12 years old has been developed and implemented in four neighbourhoods of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. This new approach focusses on self-management of the family and is based on the principles of stepped and matched care. Youth health care (YHC) nurses support the families in their new role as central care providers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of this network approach.MethodsThe implementation of the new approach (reach, functioning of the central care provider, network functioning and patient satisfaction) is assessed by interviews and checklists with professionals and parents of 4–12 year old overweight or obese children. To evaluate effectiveness, we aim to compare 120 overweight or obese children in ‘s-Hertogenbosch with 60 overweight or obese children outside ‘s-Hertogenbosch during one year of YHC involvement. Quality of life, psychosocial problems of the child and parental empowerment are the main outcomes of the effectiveness study. Outcomes are measured with digital questionnaires at inclusion, at three months and one year after inclusion. BMI measurements and referrals are distracted from medical files.DiscussionIntegrated care for overweight and obese children is high on the agenda of many municipalities in The Netherlands. The new approach is expected to have beneficial effects for overweight children, their parents and professionals. With the results of this study, we can optimize the support for overweight and obese children and their parents. The first results are expected to be available in 2019.Trial registrationThis study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register on 10 November 2017 (NTR number NTR6813). https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6596Word count: 281 (max 350).
Highlights
Children with overweight often do not receive appropriate integrated care
The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the integrated network approach of preventive care for children with overweight and obesity in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, in which Youth health care (YHC) nurses fulfil the role of central care providers
YHC nurses fulfil the role of central care provider in the multidisciplinary network approach
Summary
Children with overweight often do not receive appropriate integrated care. An innovative integrated network approach of preventive care for overweight children aged 4–12 years old has been developed and implemented in four neighbourhoods of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. This new approach focusses on selfmanagement of the family and is based on the principles of stepped and matched care. In 2017, almost half of the adult population in the Netherlands was overweight and 13.9% was obese [2]. Childhood overweight and obesity have been associated with several physical problems on the short- and long-term [4]. Studies showed that overweight children are prone to stay overweight in adult life, which is a risk factor for various chronic diseases [12, 13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
