Caring for Kids of All Sizes: An Outpatient Quality Improvement Pilot Project to Decrease Weight Stigma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Public health
• Medical education

Background:

• Weight stigma negatively impacts children's health.
• Pediatric providers require enhanced skills to address weight stigma effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of combined education and practice changes on pediatric providers' attitudes and skills regarding weight stigma.
• To evaluate the sustainability of these improvements over time.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year pilot intervention combining educational modules and practice modifications related to the weighing process in a pediatric primary care clinic.
• Self-assessment surveys administered to providers at baseline, post-intervention, project end, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant increases in provider confidence in identifying and addressing weight stigma were observed.
• Improvements in skills and confidence were maintained at both project conclusion and long-term follow-up.

Conclusions:

• A combined educational and practice-based intervention can effectively enhance pediatric providers' confidence and skills in managing weight stigma.
• This model offers a potential framework for other clinics to implement similar successful interventions.