Quality Improvement Project to Promote Identification and Treatment of Children With Obesity Admitted to Hospital

Abstract

Among children hospitalized for acute problems, comorbid obesity is commonly unaddressed. The objective was to improve identification and initial management of obesity among hospitalized children. In collaboration with nurses and dietitians, pediatric hospitalists of 2 children’s hospitals conducted a quality improvement project to improve body mass index (BMI) documentation, obesity diagnosis, diet, and nutrition consultation through clinician education, development of computerized clinical decision-support system tools, and workflow modifications. Participants received monthly performance feedback. Among those with elevated BMI, diagnosis rose to 70.2%; a documented obesity diagnosis was associated with being 35 times more likely ( P < .001) to receive at least 1 intervention while hospitalized. Participants reported an increase in skill in (27%), comfort with (27%), and knowledge of (33%) obesity management. Improvement in health care provider recognition and management of obesity in the inpatient setting is achievable. Additional work is needed to identify how best to sustain desired practice patterns.