Excess Body Weight Screening in Children: Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Adiposity trends in pediatrics are increasing, escalating the risk for chronic diseases, psychological disorders, and adulthood obesity; creating more complex patients at younger ages. PROBLEM: Organizations struggle with excess body weight (EBW) screening and follow-up compliance due to a misunderstanding of the problem, provider bias, discomfort discussing weight-related topics, and improper data collection and recording. METHODS: An evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) initiative, following the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model and Plan-Do-Study-Act, was undertaken in a private, for-profit, pediatric primary care organization, measuring screening and quarterly follow-up scheduling rates. INTERVENTIONS: Processes and structures for conducting EBW screening and follow-up appointments were reviewed and amended based on the literature. A university hospital endocrinology department educated participants on the impact of EBW in pediatric patients, proper screening, diagnosis, and follow-up. RESULTS: Implementation of this EBQI initiative resulted in average increases of 56% for body mass index (BMI) screenings and 1,100% in BMI follow-up visits scheduled compared to baseline data. CONCLUSIONS: EBQI initiatives that promote BMI screening and follow-up compliance positively impact organizational outcomes and ultimately patient outcomes.