Virtual obesity collaborative with and without decision-support technology

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate school-based health center (SHBC) provider adherence to guidelines for identification and assessment of childhood obesity after participation in a virtual Health Disparities Learning Collaborative with and without HeartSmartKids™, decision-support technology with tailored patient education. Design and Setting: A cluster randomized comparative effectiveness trial was conducted with 24 SBHCs from six states. Participants: The sample consisted of 33 SBHC providers and review of medical charts at three time points. Chart data were collected at baseline (n = 850), after training (n = 691) and 6 months after training (n = 612). Main Outcome Measures: Charts from a random sample of youth 5-12 years making well-child visits were examined for the documentation of: BMI percentile, accurate weight diagnosis based upon BMI percentile, blood pressure percentile, and ordering appropriate laboratory assessment of obese youth ≥10 years old. Results: Percentage of overweight/obese children in this study was 40.4-47.2%. For both the HeartSmartKids™ and non-HeartSmartKids™ groups, provider adherence significantly improved after training for BMI percentile and blood pressure percentile documentation, as well as correct diagnosis for overweight and obese. Implementation of the HeartSmartKids™ was variable at the technology sites and differences in identification and assessment were not found between groups. Conclusion: The virtual collaborative approach to quality improvement resulted in improved adherence to guidelines for identification and assessment of overweight/obese children. The impact of the training with and without HeartSmartKids™ on patient outcomes needs to be evaluated. Coaching on implementation of technology needs to be included in future work.