title: Perception and documentation of weight management practices in pediatric primary care.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pediatric obesity is a significant problem in the United States. The Childhood Obesity Action Network (COAN) published expert recommendations in 2007 for pediatric obesity prevention and assessment at well-child visits. The purpose of this study was to assess pediatric providers' perception and documentation of their adherence to the 2007 COAN guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a 2-part cross sectional research study. A 36-item questionnaire about screening and management of obesity was sent to 69 providers from 16 pediatric practice sites in Southeastern Wisconsin. A retrospective chart review of well-child visits performed in June 2012 was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Discrepancies were found between what providers reported and documented for their obesity screening management and anticipatory guidance that they provided. In addition, the majority of providers reported inadequacy and lack of comfort when working with overweight or obese patients. Patient compliance and motivation were reported as barriers to obesity management.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Discrepancies exist between providers' self-report and documentation of obesity screening and management. In addition, providers report discomfort in managing obesity. Tools to improve documentation and continued education to improve provider comfort in managing obesity are imperative steps in optimizing care.
authors.forename: Gaya
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chelvakumar
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Polfuss
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hovis
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Donohoue
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kotowski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004282:Documentation; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010372:Pediatrics; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014922:Wisconsin / Q000453:epidemiology