The Effectiveness of a Multi-Disciplinary, Family-Centered Pediatric Weight Management Clinic: A Program Evaluation

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Abstract

Introduction/Purpose: Pediatric obesity is a growing problem in the United States, significantlyincreasing healthcare costs. Though pediatric guidelines remain inconsistent on specific programrecommendations, family-centered care stands as a common theme of treatment. The purpose ofthis DNP project was to evaluate a multi-disciplinary, family-centered pediatric weightmanagement program called “All IN Wellness” to determine its effectiveness.Methods: A chart review was performed on patients that completed the first eight weeks of AllIN Wellness from June 13, 2022, through October 1, 2022. Anthropometric data, behavioralassessments, and quality of life assessments were collected at week one and week eight of theprogram. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results of these measures.Results: Statistically significant positive behavioral changes occurred in patients over the eight-week period. Quality of life assessment results were limited due to small sample size and missingdata but did show limited improvement in of quality of life scores. There were no significantchanges in BMI.Discussion: This program evaluation suggests that a multi-disciplinary, family-centered pediatricweight management program is effective at increasing healthy behaviors and improving qualityof life. Though no statistically significant changes in BMI were noted, BMI levels remainedconsistent throughout the first eight weeks of the program, a finding that may be as important asa decrease in BMI in the early stages of treatment. Future investigation of program length,sustainability, and long-term follow up of pediatric weight management programs is essential forimproving treatment programs and decreasing pediatric obesity rates.

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DNP Project
Keywords
Pediatric obesity, Weight management program, Body mass index
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