Combating Childhood Obesity with Provider Education: A Quantitative Study

The study included an educational program to providers and nurse practitioner students in order to evaluate whether an increase in knowledge and accuracy occurred based on knowledge of evidenced-based responses to specific indicators of childhood overweight and obesity. It assessed the providers’ knowledge and sought to evaluate if increased knowledge occurred after an educational program presentation. Following the educational program, a follow-up survey was distributed via email to assess the providers self-reported perceived practice change six weeks after the education. Part one measured if an increase in knowledge of the 5210 components, correct laboratory testing, and assessment of comorbidities occurred. The 5210 components include recommendations on activity, screen time, sugary drinks, and diet from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement (ICSI). Improved accuracy in applying diagnostic criteria based on current evidenced-based practice guidelines in childhood obesity after the educational session was also evaluated. The second part of the study evaluated if a self-reported perceived practice change occurred six weeks post education. The target population was recruited from the 4-State APN (advanced practice nurse) conference in March 2016. A pretest was given to participants followed by a power point presentation and concluded with a posttest. Once the surveys were complete, a question and answer period followed. A t-test was conducted on the pretest and posttest results. A six week follow-up study was performed utilizing comparative analysis following the education. The follow-up surveys were distributed via email. The study concluded with statistical significance (p Current practice revealed low use and documentation of BMI, even though studies have established that the use of an accurate diagnosis of obesity is one of the highest indicators of treatment. Providers that participate in obesity related continuing education (CE) were found to be more familiar with the recommendations and have better adherence to current evidence-based practice guidelines. The findings of the study indicate that many providers are not aware of the current clinical practice guidelines in childhood obesity. Although information is readily available, providers must continuously update their knowledge to improve care for overweight and obese children. This study validates the need for continued educational programs for providers in childhood obesity