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The evaluation of an integrated network approach of preventive care for children with overweight and obesity; study
Sanne de Laat1,2, Iris de Vos3, Monique Jacobs4,5
1School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tranzo, Tilburg University, Postbus 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Insights
This study evaluates an integrated network approach for childhood overweight, focusing on family self-management and stepped care. The innovative model aims to improve care for overweight children and their families.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Overweight children often lack appropriate integrated care.
- An innovative integrated network approach for preventive care has been developed for children aged 4-12.
- This approach emphasizes family self-management and stepped/matched care principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a novel integrated network approach for childhood overweight.
- To assess the reach, functionality, and patient satisfaction of the new care model.
- To determine the impact on children's quality of life, psychosocial issues, and parental empowerment.
Main Methods:
- Implementation assessed via interviews and checklists with professionals and parents.
- Effectiveness evaluated by comparing 120 children in the intervention group with 60 controls over one year.
- Outcomes measured using digital questionnaires and medical file data (BMI, referrals).
Main Results:
- Implementation data on reach, provider/network functioning, and patient satisfaction were collected.
- Effectiveness data on quality of life, psychosocial problems, and parental empowerment were gathered.
- BMI measurements and referral data were extracted from medical records.
Conclusions:
- Integrated care for childhood obesity is a key focus in the Netherlands.
- The network approach is anticipated to yield positive outcomes for children, parents, and professionals.
- Study results will inform optimization of support for overweight and obese children and their families.
Background:
Children with overweight often do not receive appropriate integrated care. An innovative integrated network approach of preventive care for overweight children aged 4-12 years old has been developed and implemented in four neighbourhoods of 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. This new approach focusses on self-management of the family and is based on the principles of stepped and matched care. Youth health care (YHC) nurses support the families in their new role as central care providers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of this network approach.
Methods:
The implementation of the new approach (reach, functioning of the central care provider, network functioning and patient satisfaction) is assessed by interviews and checklists with professionals and parents of 4-12 year old overweight or obese children. To evaluate effectiveness, we aim to compare 120 overweight or obese children in 's-Hertogenbosch with 60 overweight or obese children outside 's-Hertogenbosch during one year of YHC involvement. Quality of life, psychosocial problems of the child and parental empowerment are the main outcomes of the effectiveness study. Outcomes are measured with digital questionnaires at inclusion, at three months and one year after inclusion. BMI measurements and referrals are distracted from medical files.
Discussion:
Integrated care for overweight and obese children is high on the agenda of many municipalities in The Netherlands. The new approach is expected to have beneficial effects for overweight children, their parents and professionals. With the results of this study, we can optimize the support for overweight and obese children and their parents. The first results are expected to be available in 2019.
Trial Registration:
This study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register on 10 November 2017 (NTR number NTR6813). https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6596 Word count: 281 (max 350).
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