Quality Improvement Project: Together against Childhood Obesity

Introduction: Obesity poses significant risk to long-term health outcome and adversely affects quality of life in children with autism. The aim of this project is to increase awareness of the scope of obesity and associated comorbidities in children with autism. It helps to provide tools that would assist medical professionals in early detection and effective obesity intervention in this cohort of patients.

Methods: Baseline data collection at Withybush Hospital community outpatient clinic revealed the rate of obesity/ overweight was 20.5% amongst local children with autism. Focussed history taking including documentation of BMI, co-morbidities and management planning were highlighted as areas needing improvement. The study findings showed limited understanding amongst medical staff about the local resources and referral pathways.

Subsequently, a multifaceted approach for improvement was adopted and implemented over a period of six months. This included designing of a history taking proforma, display of posters and offering regular teaching sessions for health care professionals.

Results: The outcome was measured by an audit of 30 case notes. There was significant improvement in recording of BMI (66%) in children with autism, identification of high-risk cases and co-morbidities (80%). There was also improvement in focused history taking (50%) and management planning (40%). The outcome will be measured in regular intervals to ensure sustainability.

Conclusion: Obesity in children with autism is multifactorial. Our QIP offers practical solutions for early identification, better care coordination and management of obesity in children with autism. Our next step would be multidisciplinary working and innovative approaches to promote co-production.