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Scaling‐Up Stage 4 Pediatric Obesity Clinics: Identifying Barriers and Future Directions Using Implementation Science
Author(s) -
Newsome Faith A.,
Dilip Abhaya,
Armstrong Sarah C.,
Salloum Ramzi G.,
Cardel Michelle I.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.23162
Subject(s) - reimbursement , medicine , multidisciplinary approach , telehealth , psychological intervention , family medicine , obesity , nursing , health care , medical education , telemedicine , political science , law
Nearly one‐fifth of the pediatric population in the United States has obesity. Comprehensive behavioral interventions, with at least 26 contact hours, are the recommended treatment for pediatric obesity; however, there are various barriers to implementing treatment. This Perspective applies the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to address barriers to implementing multidisciplinary pediatric weight management clinics and identify potential solutions and areas for additional research. Lack of insurance coverage and reimbursement, high operating costs, and limited access to stage 4 care clinics with sufficient capacity were among the main barriers identified. Clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates are encouraged to facilitate conversations with insurance companies and hospital and clinic administrators, increase telehealth adoption, request training to improve competency and self‐efficacy discussing and implementing obesity care, and advocate for more stage 4 clinics.