As it was identified previously, the clinical practice issue of childhood obesity is of high significance. Potentially, the solution for this issue is provided by the development of the nursing-focused plan, which would include the implementation of evidence-based interventions for the prevention and management of childhood obesity. This paper aims to propose the design for change of the current situation by elaborating on practical aspects of the solution for the problem under discussion.
Change Model Overview
ACE Star model is a framework for synthesizing the knowledge, which is employed in various evidence-based practice (EBP) processes. The model is implemented through five primary stages: âknowledge discovery, evidence summary, translation into practice recommendations, integration into practice, and evaluationâ (ACE Star model of knowledge transformation, 2018, para. 2). Nurses should use this model since it provides a comprehensive and holistic framework for solving clinical problems.
Define the Scope of the EBP
The practice issue is that evidence-based interventions are insufficiently developed and implemented by contemporary nurses. This problem is highly important because approximately 30% of children in America have excessive weight problems (Foster, Farragher, Parker, & Sosa, 2015). On a broader scale, obesity among children increases the probability of a wide spectrum of other disorders, including physical as well as psychological ones.
Stakeholders
The development of the project team includes clear identification of the roles and responsibilities of each member. My role is as a project team coordinator. Also, an assistant coordinator is needed. Four advanced practice nurses should participate in the practical implementation of the EBP project. Also, a psychologist and a dietitian are also needed in the team since they have to provide additional support for solving the clinical problem.
Determine Responsibility of Team Members
The particular responsibilities of the identified team members should be discussed. The role of the project team coordinator includes the overall control over the development of the nursing-focused plan and its implementation. The assistant coordinator reduces the amount of routine work related to the project coordinatorâs job. Nurses are responsible for working with children. A dietitian and a psychologist should support the implementation of the EBP project by providing guidelines for dietary intake and psychological support of obese children.
Evidence
In the previous paper, where the Evidence Summary was developed, two articles were identified as primary sources of information. The approved systematic review conducted by Janicke et al. (2014) along with the study by Foster et al. (2015) was chosen. In addition to the Evidence Summary, the research by Pbert et al. (2016), which is a randomized controlled trial, was found to be a significant source of information. The primary strength of this research is that it explores the implementation of exercising programs at the school level.
Summarize the Evidence
The main finding of the systematic review article is that the implementation of EBP interventions positively impacts weight reduction among obese children. The authors argue that comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions (CBFLIs), incorporating such aspects as dietary intake, psychical activity, and behavior strategies of engaging the patients, are significantly more efficient. The article by Foster et al. (2015) is not limited to only one type of intervention, and thus it provides diverse and comprehensive information about various EBP interventions. Pbert et al. (2016) provide insights on the implementation of EBP projects, arguing that a change in the social environment and norms is needed.
Develop Recommendations for Change Based on Evidence
The evidence found in the identified articles is sufficient for developing recommendations for change of the nursing practice related to the problem of childhood obesity. Primarily, it is essential to understand that obesity is an important clinical practice issue, which is also connected to social norms and the environment. It is possible to recommend that nurses should promote physical activity as the most efficient means of reducing the effects of excessive weight.
Translation
Action Plan
The first step of the action plan is to develop a set of competencies for each member of the project team in accordance with the overall purpose of the EBP project. Secondly, it is essential to promote physical activity and exercise among obese children in a particular school for 90 days. The continuous observation of the process and its outcomes will allow retrieving conclusions about the effectiveness of the EBP project.
Process, Outcomes Evaluation, and Reporting
The primary desired outcome is the reduction of such indicators as BMI among children with excessive weight who participate in physical exercises. All basic indicators will be recorded at the beginning of the project implementation process, and in the end, they will be measured again. Thus, the project team coordinator will be able to develop a report that will include the dynamics of weight change among children.
Identify Next Steps
After the initial implementation of the action plan and outcomes evaluation, it will be possible to apply it to larger-scale projects. If the EBP project is sustainable enough, it will be applicable to a wide variety of schools. Synthesizing the experience of other projects will help to ensure that the implementation is sustainable and permanent.
Disseminate Findings
As it was previously mentioned, the report will be developed for internal reporting. To communicate the findings externally, it is possible to write a pamphlet or article. Other possible means include the promotion of the project over the Internet.
Conclusion
It is evident that obesity among children is a highly important problem. One of the key aspects is the lack of exercises and insufficient implementation of EBP intervention for weight reduction. In accordance with the five principal phases of the ACE Star change model, this proposal elaborates on the development of the EBP project for reducing the negative effects of obesity among children.
References
Foster, B., Farragher, J., Parker, P., & Sosa, E. (2015). Treatment interventions for early childhood obesity: A systematic review. Academic Pediatrics, 15(4), 353-361. Web.
Janicke, D. M., Steele, R. G., Gayes, L. A., Lim, C. S., Clifford, L. M., Schneider, E. M.,… Westen, S. (2014). Systematic review and meta-analysis of comprehensive behavioral family lifestyle interventions addressing pediatric obesity. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 39(8), 809-825. Web.
Pbert, L., Druker, S., Barton, B., Schneider, K. L., Olendzki, B., Gapinski, M. A.,… Osganian, S. (2016). A schoolâbased program for overweight and obese adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of School Health, 86(10), 699-708.