Pediatric Nurse Practitioners' Assessment and Management of Childhood Overweight/Obesity: Results from 1999 and 2005 Cohort Surveys

Abstract 

Introduction

Recently, public and professional emphasis has been placed on addressing the increasing prevalence of childhood overweight.

Method

This survey study was conducted with two cohorts of pediatric nurse practitioners (N = 413) to explore differences in self-reported practice skills over time.

Results

Significant improvements in assessment, screening, and laboratory evaluations were reported, although reduced adherence to recommended psychosocial assessments was noted.

Discussion

This study outlines self-reported barriers to effective childhood weight management. One support that participants requested was evidence-based guidelines. Motivational interviewing may be an additional strategy to enhance provider skills to assess and manage challenging patient behavior change (e.g., dietary and activity changes).

Key words: Childhood obesity/overweight, evidence-based guidelines, motivational interviewing, pediatric nurse practitioners