Impact of Point-of-Care Decision Support Tool on Laboratory Screening for Comorbidities in Children with Obesity.

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity is associated with dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes. Expert guidelines recommend screening for these conditions in children with obesity.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to compare rates of laboratory screening for dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes in children with obesity prior to and following implementation of a point-of-care decision support tool.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective record review of children with body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile for age and gender (age 7-18 years) undergoing well-child/sports examination visits. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for patient and provider confounders.

RESULTS

There was no increase in the rates of screening following implementation of the point-of-care decision support tool. Tests were more likely to be recommended in children with severe obesity and in females.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a point-of-care decision support tool was not associated with improvement in screening rates for dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes for children with obesity. Further strategies are needed to improve rates of screening for obesity-related comorbid conditions in children with obesity.