Outpatient evaluation of obesity in adults and children: a review of the performance of internal medicine/pediatrics residents.
A chart audit of 115 adults and 113 children seen consecutively in an internal medicine/pediatrics residency was conducted to assess recognition of obesity and appropriateness of suggested therapy. Patients were categorized as obese, overweight, or normal based on body mass index. Forty-four percent of the children and 50% of the adults were classified as overweight or obese. Residents were more likely to document obesity in adults (53%) than in children (18%, p < 0.0001). Higher degree of obesity in adults increased resident documentation of the condition (p = 0.022), but presence of additional cardiovascular risk factors did not. When overweight or obesity was recognized, residents chose appropriate therapy. Enhanced education to improve recognition of obesity appears warranted.
Denen
M E
ME
Department of Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio.
Hennessey
J V
JV
Markert
R J
RJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*