Abstract

Background: Pediatric obesity and cardiovascular diseases are conditions which remain problematic globally. The continued increase of both diseases extends beyond pediatric years adding health risks into adulthood. Both conditions can be positively impacted by lifestyle and behavior modifications gained through effective patient education. Nationally the childhood obesity rate continues to climb. Healthy People 2020 includes obesity and cardiovascular disease as health initiatives in the pediatric population. The pediatric population residing in some Southeastern states have a rate of obesity greater than 20% exceeding rates of other regions.

Purpose: The purpose of the quality improvement project was to improve the practice approach to include health initiatives consistent with Health People 2020. A multidisciplinary treatment team implemented the CVD guidelines with each patient visit and an electronic health record (EHR) flagged elevated blood pressure readings at the wellness center. Methods: The study design utilized a descriptive, prospective, and retrospective study approach by electronic health record (EHR) chart review. Wellness center charts were randomly audited by the author showed the CVD guidelines and system flags. Author created checklists to evaluate consistency in care and addressed or unaddressed elevated blood pressure readings.

Results: Forty two of forty-eight charts showed care was provided based on clinical practice guideline implemented. No patients had an elevated blood pressure reading during the 8-week project period. Conclusion: Implementing CVD guideline proved instrumental in providing consistency in care among providers with the use of an evidenced-based approach in care of hypertension and provided an opportunity to educate providers and to ensure future congruency in care. The practice change aided in the determination and commitment of the providers and staff to remain firm in the mission of targeting the pediatric obesity epidemic within wellness center.