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.
Department of Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio.
M E
ME
Denen
J V
JV
Hennessey
R J
RJ
Markert
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*