Childhood obesity prevention in general practice: supporting implementation through co-ideation.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is associated with physical and psychological complications thus the prevention of excess weight gain in childhood is an important health goal. Relevant to the prevention of childhood obesity, Australian general practice-specific, preventive care guidelines recommend General Practitioners (GPs) conduct growth monitoring and promote a number of healthy behaviours. However, challenges to providing preventive care in general practice may impact implementation. In October and November, 2022, a series of three workshops focusing on the prevention of childhood obesity were held with a group of Australian GPs and academics. The objective of the workshops was to determine practical ways that GPs can be supported to address barriers to the incorporation of obesity-related prevention activities into their clinical practice, for children with a healthy weight. METHODS: This paper describes workshop proceedings, specifically the outcomes of co-ideation activities that included idea generation, expansion of the ideas to possible interventions, and the preliminary assessment of these concepts. The ecological levels of the individual, interpersonal, and organisation were considered. RESULTS: Possible opportunities to support childhood obesity prevention were identified at multiple ecological levels within the clinic. The preliminary list of proposed interventions to facilitate action included GP education and training, clinical audit facilitation, readily accessible clinical guidelines with linked resources, a repository of resources, and provision of adequate growth monitoring tools in general practice. CONCLUSIONS: Co-ideation with GPs resulted in a number of proposed interventions, informed by day-to-day practicalities, to support both guideline implementation and childhood obesity prevention in general practice.

A synthesis of selected national Australian guidelines on the general practice management of adult patients who are overweight or obese.

BACKGROUND: A general practitioner's (GP's) daily workload includes an ever-increasing number of patients who are overweight and obese. A number of Australian guidelines are aimed at assisting GPs who are managing this group of adult patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to synthesise selected national Australian guidelines for GPs in the management of adults who are overweight or obese. METHODS: Relevant national guidelines were chosen and reviewed by three GPs. The recommendations were amalgamated and any discrepancies were discussed within the research team. RESULTS: We presented a synthesis of the guidelines under headings that will assist GPs in a structured approach to managing patients who are overweight and obese. DISCUSSION: This synthesis forms the basis for developing a practical toolkit to assist GPs in managing adult patients who are overweight and obese.