Knowledge Translation: Implementing a Child Obesity Screening and Referral Process

Introduction: The purpose of this practice improvement project (PIP) was to implement a systematic obesity screening and referral process for children ages 3-17 at a county primary care clinic. Method: This descriptive study used the Knowledge to Action Cycle to guide the implementation process. Mixed methods including quantitative data collection and a qualitative survey were used to analyze the process. Results: Of 1,265 visits, BMI percentile was recorded for 874 (69%). Of these 874, 237 (27%) had a BMI≥95%. Forty (17%) children with BMI≥95% were screened for readiness to be referred to a BHC. And of those screened for readiness, only 9 (23%) were ready for a behavioral health intervention, 4 of whom attended an appointment. Barriers listed in the providers’ survey included: limited time and discomfort discussing obesity, and a negative association with a BHC. Discussion: This PIP proved a challenge for the providers. However, valuable lessons were learned regarding barriers to avoid for similar implementation projects in the future