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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Identifying the training needs of Australian primary health professionals to support early childhood obesity
Eve T House1,2,3,4, Erin Kerr3,4, Sarah Taki1,2,3,4
1The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydneyhttps://ror.org/0384j8v12, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Objectives:
Practice guidelines for Australian primary health professionals (PHPs) highlight their crucial role in preventive care. However, PHPs report a lack of knowledge and skills regarding early childhood obesity prevention. This study aimed to identify the training needs of Australian PHPs - including child and family health nurses (CFHNs), general practitioners, general practice nurses and other community-based health professionals - to support early childhood health promotion and obesity prevention.
Methods:
From August 2022 to July 2023, PHPs were recruited to participate in an online survey and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively and qualitative data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
227 PHPs returned a survey (46% CFHNs) and 28 were interviewed (13 CFHNs). Almost a quarter (23%) of participants had not received any continuing education regarding early childhood health behaviours and obesity prevention, with general practice professionals less likely to have participated in such education. PHPs identified a need to develop skills in growth assessment and working with children at risk of obesity. Digital and visual parent-facing resources were required to support PHPs' discussions of child health behaviours. Important components of education were case studies, self-paced learning, and live interactive discussions (37-46% of PHPs rated as highly important). PHPs sought interactive education activities from reputable service providers and reported time and cost were barriers to education.
Conclusions:
Australian PHPs require access to evidence-based education and resources to support early childhood health promotion and obesity prevention. Professional education providers should prioritize interactive and flexible modes of delivery.
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