title: A Qualitative Pilot Study of Pediatricians' Approach to Childhood Obesity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Over the past 3 decades, rates of childhood obesity have tripled. Given the gravity of this health concern, it is important that physicians intervene early. However, physicians continue to underdiagnose and undertreat childhood overweight and obesity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this pilot study was to identify current tools and strategies used by pediatricians in regard to childhood obesity, as well as to reassess barriers to success, and to uncover areas for improvement.
  
  
  METHODS
  One-on-one interviews were conducted with pediatricians during the summer of 2013. Seven of the interviews occurred in person, and 10 occurred via telephone. Each interview lasted 30 to 60 minutes. All interviewees (n = 17, 13.2% response rate) were Wisconsin pediatricians, representing 7 different health systems.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Themes relating to pediatrician's experiences in addressing and managing childhood obesity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pediatricians interviewed in this survey are comfortable identifying and diagnosing pediatric obesity with the widespread use of electronic health records. They have several tools and strategies at their disposal for the treatment and management of obesity, but do not often achieve the desired outcome of achieving healthy body weight. Most of them lack connections to community resources and the ability to effectively communicate with referral systems outside of their clinic, such as with dietitians.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Building stronger connections between physicians and dietitians, as well as between physicians and the local community, may allow physicians to feel more empowered when it comes to managing childhood obesity.
authors.forename: Benjamin D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Traun
authors.forename: Tracy L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Flood
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meinen
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Daniels
authors.forename: Patrick L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Remington
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014922:Wisconsin