Community Healthcare and Technology to Enhance Communication in Pediatric Obesity Care.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2018

Identifier

DOI: 10.1089/chi.2017.0339; PMCID: PMC6422001

Abstract

Childhood obesity continues to be a critical healthcare issue and a paradigm of a pervasive chronic disease affecting even our youngest children. When considered within the context of the socioecological model, the factors that influence weight status, including the social determinants of health, limit the impact of multidisciplinary care that occurs solely within the medical setting. Coordinated care that incorporates communication between the healthcare and community sectors is necessary to more effectively prevent and treat obesity. In this article, the Expert Exchange authors, with input from providers convened at an international pediatric meeting, provide recommendations to address this critical issue. These recommendations draw upon examples from the management of other chronic conditions that might be applied to the treatment of obesity, such as the use of care plans and health assessment forms to allow weight management specialists and community personnel (e.g., school counselors) to communicate about treatment recommendations and responses. To facilitate communication across the healthcare and community sectors, practical considerations regarding the development and/or evaluation of communication tools are presented. In addition, the use of technology to enhance healthcare-community communication is explored as a means to decrease the barriers to collaboration and to create a web of connection between the community and healthcare providers that promote wellness and a healthy weight status.

Journal Title

Child Obes

Volume

14

Issue

7

First Page

453

Last Page

460

MeSH Keywords

Child; Communication; Community Health Services; Electronic Health Records; Health Education; Health Personnel; Humans; Interdisciplinary Communication; Mobile Applications; Pediatric Obesity; School Health Services; Telemedicine; Text Messaging

Keywords

childhood obesity; community; technology

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