DNP, Kent State University, 2022, College of Nursing
Obesity is a chronic disease climbing at epidemic rates across the United States. Ohio is fourteenth among states with obesity. Despite the growing numbers of individuals affected by obesity, chronic disease of obesity, and the cost of obesity, treatment by primary care providers is limited. Only 22% of primary care providers screen and document body mass index (BMI) at each medical visit. Primary care providers need to provide comprehensive care to those affected by obesity. This includes diagnosis and documentation of the BMI at all medical visits, education, and providing evidenced-based treatment. With the increase in advanced practice nurses as primary care providers, the need for knowledgeable obesity treatment will be crucial to the care and prevention of this disease. Numerous studies show advanced practice providers lack the knowledge required to provide treatment for those with obesity (Croghan et. al, 2019; Fruh et. al, 2019; Petrin, 2017). The purpose of this quality improvement project is to educate advanced practice providers on the evidenced-based guidelines for the treatment of obesity using academic detailing. Utilizing Lewin's Change Theory, this project enrolled seven advanced practice providers (APPs) in primary care employed at a large medical center in Cleveland, Ohio. The pre and post-intervention groups were analyzed for obesity screening, documentation, attitudes towards obesity treatment, awareness of clinical practice guidelines, factors that influence prescribing antiobesity medications, and referral to bariatric surgery. Statistical significance was noted for documentation of obesity screening and obesity was identified as a lack of self-control. The remaining questions did not show a statistical difference between the pre and post-intervention survey.
Committee: Lisa Onesko (Committee Member); Denise Pacholski (Committee Chair); Tracy Motter (Committee Member)
Subjects: Nursing