Characteristics of Correctly Identified Pediatric Obesity and Overweight Status and Management in an Academic General Pediatric Clinic. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morais, Ana; Kelly, Joseph; Bost, James E.; Vaidya, Susma Shanti
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 57:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1168
• Page End: 1175
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: pediatric obesity -- pediatric overweight -- weight management -- weight diagnosis; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922818761891
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

This study identified and characterized the rates of documentation and guideline-based management of overweight and obese children within an academic pediatric clinic through a retrospective electronic medical record review of 7422 well-child visits in 2016. Diagnosis and treatment were analyzed by patient's weight diagnosis, sex, age, and provider training level. The percentages of correctly identified severely obese (90.2%), obese (77.0%), and overweight (42.0%) children were much higher than in previous retrospective chart reviews; however, less than 30% of children were referred for more intensive weight management to a dietitian or pediatric obesity weight management program. Increased provider training level was associated with a lower adherence to pediatric obesity guidelines. Strategic modifications to electronic medical records that automatically offer body mass index–associated weight diagnoses with a link to treatment pathways and resources are needed to facilitate improved compliance with current pediatric obesity guidelines in the primary care setting.