Electronic Community Resources Database (ECRD)

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this project is to create systems to connect/ link clinical and medical staff with community resources to improve health behaviors in children (patients) and parents through the continued development of the Electronic Community Resource Database (ECRD). BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight is defined as having a body mass index above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile, whereas obesity is when the body mass index is at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and sex ranging from age 2-19years (CDC, 2009). The prevalence of obesity among children and teens is 10% for infant and toddlers and about 18% for adolescent and teenagers. These rates have appeared to be stable since 2008 except for among boys between ages 6-19 with a slight increase of obesity (Ogden, 2010). METHODS: This is an exploratory, descriptive study using semi-structured interview methodology to obtain information from key stakeholders on the current version of the ECRD to determine what changes they recommend in the next phase of ECRD development. A total of 29 interviews were conducted in St. Christopher's Hospital for Children (SCHC) outpatient clinics (ambulatory and primary pediatrics). Stakeholder interviews were conducted for several groups (primary care providers, caregivers, hospital administrators, and clinic staff). The interviews lasted approximately 20 minutes for the primary care providers (PCPs), hospital administrators and clinic staff and approximately 30 minutes for the caregivers. All questionnaires had a similar format: demographic section, practice or perceptions on obesity; ECRD usefulness and completeness; ideas for changes and additional resources for further development of the ECRD. RESULTS: The majority of participants were caregivers (45%), followed by PCPs and residents with 41%, 7 % were clinical staff and another 7% were administrative staff. Most caregivers were mothers (85%) and the remaining 15% of were fathers. PCPs and residents stakeholder group represented 41% of the sample size of this project. The average years PCPs and residents served in pediatrics at SCHC or elsewhere were 7 years. 50% of PCPs and residents were able to identify prevention, intervention and support programs in the SCHC community, 25% knew of some prevention and intervention programs or intervention and support programs, about 16 percent know of prevention or intervention program only, while another 8% knew of prevention, intervention and support programs within the SCHC community. CONCLUSION: The ECRD presents an easy access to community resources for physical activity, nutrition, weight management and advocacy programs via zip code. Potential end-users of the ECRD include, but not limited to: PCPs and residents, as well as SCHC families. It is anticipated that ECRD will serve as a prevention and intervention tool for PCPs and residents to use during weight management counseling with SCHC families at every clinic visit.