Nurse-Led Telephone Follow-Up to Improve Parent Promotion of Healthy Behaviors in Young Children With Motivational Interviewing Techniques

Abstract

Introduction: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends primary care-based health promotion for obesity prevention at all visits, focusing on nutrition and activity.

Methods: In this quality improvement project, a primary care innovation was developed to support parents in promoting healthy habits in their children ages 2 to 5 years old. Nurse-led telephone support using motivational interviewing was implemented during two follow-up phone calls aimed at helping parent-child dyads reach self-created activity or nutrition goals.

Results: Parent-rated confidence and motivation related to meeting these goals showed significant increases. During the second call, 80% self-reported goal completion and high satisfaction with the visits. Registered nurses reported a significant increase in their self-efficacy of communication with parents.

Discussion: This project showed the feasibility of using nurse telephone visits in an urban low-income primary care setting to improve parental recognition and understanding of healthy habits that align with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for obesity prevention.

Keywords: Motivational interviewing; nurse-led intervention; pediatric obesity; primary care; quality improvement; telephone visit.