Improvement in Pediatric Resident Self-Efficacy and Documentation of Childhood Obesity Care with an Educational Intervention.

Abstract

Objectives: Childhood obesity is a public health crisis with increasing rates and long-term complications. Primary care providers are essential to address this concern; however, clinicians report inadequate training and self-efficacy.

Methods: This educational study evaluated the impact of an obesity management curriculum on residents' self-efficacy and documentation. Three interactive educational sessions were presented. Residents rated their self-efficacy on caring for patients with obesity using a retrospective pre-post anchored response scale survey. Practice change was evaluated via chart review. Documentation of key history and treatment items was collected utilizing a standardized rubric over a 2-month period both before and after the education.

Results: Post-education, self-efficacy ratings were higher compared to pre-education scores (p<0.0001). Chart review for 63 residents showed improvement in documentation of history and treatment items (p=0.026). Nutrition, activity, and sleep history elements improved in post-graduate level (PGY) 1 residents documentation compared to PGY2 (p<0.0001) and PGY3 residents (p=0.004). Documentation of treatment components including healthy habits counseling, SMART goals, lab testing, referrals, and follow-up increased among all PGY levels (p=0.036).

Conclusions: A primary care-based curriculum improved resident self-efficacy in caring for patients with obesity. Documentation of history and treatment items increased for all residents, with greatest improvement by PGY1 residents.