Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Diane Bailey

Abstract

Obesity is a public health epidemic and is as relevant in the pediatric population as it is in adults. The purpose of this DNP project was to develop a clinical practice guideline (CPG) that would use existing evidence to support the development of body mass index (BMI) screening in primary schools for the early detection of childhood obesity. Globally, more than 41 million children were obese or overweight by 2018. Due to incidence rates, developing an effective strategy to address childhood obesity is critical. The practice-focused question asked whether the evidence supported the development of a CPG for implementing BMI screening in elementary schools. For the literature review, multiple public data sources were used to search key terms. For this project, the conceptual model of nursing and health policy was used to identify areas of practice that work and those needing improvement. Using Bloom’s taxonomy as a guide, steps were followed until the CPG was developed to assist practitioners in early identification and treatment of childhood obesity in the identified school district in Illinois. Findings from literature review were used to develop the practice guideline. The guideline was co-developed by the school nurse and was reviewed by 22 anonymous expert panelists using the AGREE II tool. Objectives were met by evaluating the practice problem, analyzing the current system that was in place, applying knowledge into practice, creating a new system, then ultimately explaining and educating the school staff on the new system for possible implementation. This project was designed to help schools become partners with parents and healthcare providers to identify BMI concerns early, leading to social change for children, their families, communities, and institutions.

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