Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Family Nurse Practioner
Year Degree Awarded
2017
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/10109241
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
pediatric, obesity, screening, prevention
Advisor
Elizabeth A Henneman
DNP Project Chair
Elizabeth A Henneman
DNP Project Member Name
Edith Dundon
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Daniel O'Connor
Abstract
Pediatric obesity is a growing problem in the United States of America causing both immediate and long-term health implications including: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). The purpose of this quality improvement project is to implement and evaluate an evidence-based screening tool for identifying modifiable risk factors for childhood obesity in children in a pediatric primary care office. The National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (NICHQ) Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (Appendix A) was administered to 25 pediatric patients ages 2-18 presenting to their primary care office for a well care visit. The evaluation of this project was based on identifying risk factors, ease of use, and usefulness and feasibility. The implementation of the NICHQ Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey was found to be both useful and feasible at primary care well child visits. Risk factors for obesity were identified, patients and families found the survey easy to complete, and providers found the survey to be helpful in starting conversations with families about healthy activity and nutrition. In future practice a survey such as the NICHQ Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey can be used to help identify modifiable risk factors for pediatric obesity and as a catalyst for meaningful conversations about activity and nutrition. Through screening and education pediatric obesity can be prevented.
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