Implementation of Provider-Focused Education to Improve Laboratory Screening for Pediatric Patients With Elevated Body Mass Index in Primary Care: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

Introduction: Children with elevated body mass index (BMI) do not consistently receive recommended laboratory screenings. This project aimed to increase provider screening rates and knowledge of screening guidelines for this population.

Method: This project utilized the Rosswurm and Larrabee evidence-based practice model. Providers completed education with pretest and posttest design. Laboratory screening rates were measured with retrospective chart reviews, and a project satisfaction survey was conducted.

Results: Nine (82%) of 11 providers showed an increase in knowledge of screening for children with elevated BMI. Laboratory screening increased (27% to 39%) above the preintervention median (25%) for children with obesity and was above the median (22%) for one month of the project (15% to 26%) for children with overweight.

Conclusions: Project results suggest education improved knowledge and compliance with guidelines for laboratory screening of children with an elevated BMI. Asynchronous education and sharing of compliance rates are adaptable to similar quality improvement projects.

Keywords: Pediatric obesity; asynchronous learning; comorbid illness; laboratory screening; provider education.