title: Development and evaluation of an online tool for management of overweight children in primary care: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the acceptability of implementing an online tool for the assessment and management of childhood obesity (Computer-Assisted Treatment of CHildren, CATCH) in primary care.
  
  
  METHODS
  An uncontrolled pilot study with integral process evaluation conducted at three general practices in northwest London, UK (November 2012-April 2013).
  
  
  METHODS
  Families with concerns about excess weight in a child aged 5-18 years (n=14 children).
  
  
  METHODS
  Families had a consultation with a doctor or nurse using CATCH, which assessed child weight status, cardiometabolic risk and risk of emotional and behavioural difficulties and provided personalised lifestyle advice. Families and practitioners completed questionnaires to assess the acceptability and usefulness of the consultation, and participated in semistructured interviews which explored user experiences.
  
  
  METHODS
  The primary outcome was family satisfaction with the tool-assisted consultation. Secondary outcomes were practitioners' satisfaction, and acceptability and usefulness of the intervention to families and practitioners.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of families (86%, n=12) and all practitioners (n=4) were satisfied with the consultation. Participants reported that the tool was easy to use, the personalised lifestyle advice useful and the use of visual aids beneficial. Families and practitioners identified a need for practical, structured support for weight management following the consultation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this pilot study indicate that an online tool for assessment and management of childhood obesity can be implemented in primary care, and is acceptable to patients, families and practitioners. Further development and evaluation of the tool is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Min Hae
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Áine
authors.initials: Á
authors.lastname: Skow
authors.affiliation: Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Dewi Ismajani
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Puradiredja
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing, School of Psychology, London Metropolitan University, London, UK.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lucas
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Hayley
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Syrad
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
authors.forename: Ulla
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Sovio
authors.affiliation: UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Billy
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: White
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Anthony S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Kessel
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's & Children's Health, Paediatrics & Child Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saxena
authors.affiliation: UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Russell M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Viner
authors.affiliation: Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: Sanjay
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kinra
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011320:Primary Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Childhood obesity; Family practice; General practice; Lifestyle behaviours; Online tool