Six to success: improving primary care management of pediatric overweight and obesity.

INTRODUCTION

Despite the existence of established guidelines addressing pediatric obesity, many primary care providers fail to successfully implement recommendations. This study measured the impact of Six to Success, a weight management program based on the Chronic Care Model, on primary care provider adherence to pediatric weight management guidelines.

METHOD

We used comprehensive pre- and postimplementation chart audits (N = 396) to conduct a quality improvement study at a hospital-based pediatric outpatient clinic. Charts of patients with a body mass index percentile at or above the 85th percentile (preimplementation, n = 90; postimplementation, n = 97) were audited for 23 identification, assessment, and prevention measures recommended in the care of the pediatric overweight/obese patient.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements to clinical guideline adherence were found in the following areas: correct diagnosis, physical examination, lifestyle assessment, use of motivational interviewing, and prevention strategies.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that Six to Success can be an effective method of improving primary care provider adherence to established pediatric weight management guidelines.