Addressing Childhood Obesity in Rural Primary Care Clinics
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Childhood obesity is a significant problem, not only in the United States, but around the world. Childhood obesity causes a significant financial burden on the health system in the United States. Preventative interventions for childhood obesity are essential in attempting to slow the obesity epidemic. Intervention and obesity management within the pediatric population that is seen in family practice settings would optimistically result in improved patient health outcomes. Providing education to parents and school age children through adolescents on nutrition and healthy lifestyle will be fundamental in obesity management. The many barriers to engaging in conversations with parents regarding childhood obesity will be identified and discussed. Childhood obesity may lead to an unhealthy lifestyle as an adult and could result in adverse health outcomes that could have been preventable. It is important that healthcare providers in primary care settings take the steps necessary to prevent future health problems. The purpose of this Doctorate of Nursing Practice project is to evaluate primary care provider compliance with childhood obesity practice guidelines. The FADE Model will be utilized in implementing this project. Primary care providers will be educated on the current practice guidelines for childhood obesity. Surveys will be used to assess post-intervention provider compliance with the guidelines.
Childhood obesity is a significant problem, not only in the United States, but around the world. Childhood obesity causes a significant financial burden on the health system in the United States. Preventative interventions for childhood obesity are essential in attempting to slow the obesity epidemic. Intervention and obesity management within the pediatric population that is seen in family practice settings would optimistically result in improved patient health outcomes. Providing education to parents and school age children through adolescents on nutrition and healthy lifestyle will be fundamental in obesity management. The many barriers to engaging in conversations with parents regarding childhood obesity will be identified and discussed. Childhood obesity may lead to an unhealthy lifestyle as an adult and could result in adverse health outcomes that could have been preventable. It is important that healthcare providers in primary care settings take the steps necessary to prevent future health problems. The purpose of this Doctorate of Nursing Practice project is to evaluate primary care provider compliance with childhood obesity practice guidelines. The FADE Model will be utilized in implementing this project. Primary care providers will be educated on the current practice guidelines for childhood obesity. Surveys will be used to assess post-intervention provider compliance with the guidelines.