Implementation science evaluation of an eHealth pediatric primary-care overweight and obesity intervention using the...

Area of Science:

• Implementation science
• Pediatric health
• Digital health interventions

Background:

• Childhood overweight and obesity (OW/OB) disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
• Healthcare systems face challenges in delivering equitable interventions.
• There is a need for accessible, evidence-based solutions for pediatric OW/OB.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation science outcomes of Dynamo Kids! (DK!), a primary-care-based eHealth intervention for pediatric OW/OB.
• To assess the reach, effectiveness, adoption, and maintenance of the DK! intervention.
• To gather user feedback for future improvements.

Main Methods:

• Pilot study of the DK! eHealth intervention in a safety-net hospital system.
• Intervention offered to 581 families with children aged 6-12 with OW/OB.
• Evaluation guided by the RE-AIM framework using eight qualitative and quantitative data sources.

Main Results:

• Engaged 46 families and 10 providers from diverse backgrounds.
• Participants reported improved knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in managing OW/OB.
• High parent satisfaction with DK!, with average website use of 2 hours 24 minutes over three months.

Conclusions:

• DK! showed limited success in its initial setting but demonstrated strong support for continuation.
• Families and providers found DK! important, trustworthy, tailored, and accessible.
• Future research should incorporate user recommendations and compare outcomes to a control group post-pandemic.