Date of Degree

12-2016

Document Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program

Nursing

Advisor

Christina Hernández

Advisor

Diana Beckmann-Mendez

Abstract

The purpose of the quality improvement project was to improve BMI measurement, screening, identification, documentation, and assessment of childhood overweight and obesity among children ages 3 to 18 years old in a primary care setting. Primary care providers continue to fail to address childhood overweight and obesity and have a positive impact on this issue. Delay in early identification and assessment of childhood obesity and overweight may affect patients’ qualify of life and the efficiency of health care. Over the last 30 years, the rates of childhood overweight and obesity have consistently escalated despite the existence of recommended guidelines and interventions developed by leading authorities. Retrospective chart reviews of 50 encounter notes conducted at pre and post intervention along with educational trainings utilizing components of two evidence-based tool kits that follow American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, and supplemental resources such as BMI prompts on forms for provider, were implemented to seek improvement in the standard of care processes for overweight and obese children seen at a primary care clinic. The results indicated an improvement in the provider and staffs BMI measurements, screening, identification, documentation and assessment. There also was an improvement in provider documentation of BMIs, diagnosis, lab work, progress notes, recommendations and follow ups. Implementation of educational interventions utilizing tool kits and resources founded on evidence-based guidelines can lead to improvement in the primary care provider’s achievement of delivering care for those overweight and obese children.

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