Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Excess Body Weight Screening in Children: Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Initiative
Cheryl R Abersold1, Cindy Zellefrow2, Joni Tornwall3
1Family Nurse Practitioner, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.
Insights
Pediatric excess body weight (EBW) screening and follow-up compliance improved significantly with an evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) initiative. This approach enhanced body mass index (BMI) screenings by 56% and follow-up visits by 1,100%.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Rising pediatric adiposity increases risks for chronic diseases, psychological issues, and adult obesity.
- Healthcare organizations face challenges in excess body weight (EBW) screening and follow-up due to provider bias and data management issues.
- Effective management of pediatric obesity is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and evaluate an evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) initiative to enhance EBW screening and follow-up compliance in a pediatric primary care setting.
- To address organizational barriers hindering effective EBW management.
- To improve patient outcomes through systematic screening and follow-up protocols.
Main Methods:
- An evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) initiative was implemented using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model and Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology.
- Processes for EBW screening and follow-up were revised based on current literature.
- Educational sessions were provided by a university hospital endocrinology department on pediatric EBW management.
Main Results:
- The EBQI initiative led to a 56% average increase in body mass index (BMI) screenings.
- There was a 1,100% increase in scheduled BMI follow-up visits compared to baseline data.
- The initiative demonstrated significant improvements in screening and follow-up rates.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) initiatives effectively enhance screening and follow-up compliance for pediatric excess body weight (EBW).
- Improved compliance positively impacts both organizational processes and patient health outcomes.
- Systematic approaches to EBW management are vital in pediatric primary care settings.
Background:
Adiposity trends in pediatrics are increasing, escalating the risk for chronic diseases, psychological disorders, and adulthood obesity; creating more complex patients at younger ages.
Problem:
Organizations struggle with excess body weight (EBW) screening and follow-up compliance due to a misunderstanding of the problem, provider bias, discomfort discussing weight-related topics, and improper data collection and recording.
Methods:
An evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) initiative, following the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model and Plan-Do-Study-Act, was undertaken in a private, for-profit, pediatric primary care organization, measuring screening and quarterly follow-up scheduling rates.
Interventions:
Processes and structures for conducting EBW screening and follow-up appointments were reviewed and amended based on the literature. A university hospital endocrinology department educated participants on the impact of EBW in pediatric patients, proper screening, diagnosis, and follow-up.
Results:
Implementation of this EBQI initiative resulted in average increases of 56% for body mass index (BMI) screenings and 1,100% in BMI follow-up visits scheduled compared to baseline data.
Conclusions:
EBQI initiatives that promote BMI screening and follow-up compliance positively impact organizational outcomes and ultimately patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Methods of Documentation V: CBE
In CBE, healthcare professionals establish predefined standards of practice that define what constitutes...
01:24Obesity