Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Campus Access
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Post Master's DNP Completion
Year Degree Awarded
2016
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/8544727
Month Degree Awarded
May
Advisor
Mary Paterno
DNP Project Chair
Mary Paterno
DNP Project Member Name
Emma Dundon
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Wendy Sergeant
Abstract
Purpose: Childhood obesity in the United States has become a healthcare crisis. Evidence suggests that obesity is often not detected by healthcare providers (HCPs) due to inadequate screening at well-child visits. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to provide HCPs with improved pediatric obesity screening and counseling techniques using screening tools, diet, and physical activity education resources to enhance HCP compliance with current screening guidelines. Method: A pre/post-test design was utilized to measure HCP (n=6) knowledge acquisition after delivery of a customized educational in-service session. The in-service included education on (a) up-to-date BMI screening guidelines; (b) the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool; (c) the Healthy Eating Activity Together (HEAT) educational tool; (d) motivational interviewing techniques; and (e) BMI screening links accessible on electronic health record (EHR) systems. After the educational in-service, the EHR system used by the HCPs was updated to include a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-approved BMI calculator and a link to the FNPA screening tool. Post-test results and follow-up interviews with HCPs were utilized to assess project effectiveness and areas of needed improvement at a one month follow-up. Results: The outcomes included knowledge gain in areas of BMI screening, National Guidelines Clearinghouse (NGC) screening guidelines, and Motivational Interviewing (MI) behavioral management techniques. Descriptive statistics were completed to determine effectiveness. Findings suggest positive changes among HCPs in relation to guideline use, BMI screening awareness, and MI techniques.
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