WIP 03 - Care for All Sizes: Quality Interventions in the Outpatient Setting to Decrease Weight Stigma

Publication Number: WIP 03.7534

Michael Shen, Pediatric Resident, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States; Julia L. Clemens, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States; Brittany J. Allen, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States

Background: Weight stigma affects children and adolescents across school, home, and healthcare. Research has shown that weight stigma has been associated with avoidance of health care, worsening weight gain, and disordered eating. The AAP recommends that pediatricians reduce their weight bias but there is currently minimal guidance on specific steps physicians can take to reduce weight stigma for their patients.

Objective: The purpose of this pilot quality improvement project is to implement and assess the effectiveness of an outpatient curriculum to improve provider confidence in recognizing, preventing, and addressing weight stigma.

Design/Methods: Project participants are physicians and staff in a pediatric primary care clinic. The intervention phase of the project occurred from Fall 2023 to Summer 2024 with plan for follow-up data collection in December 2024. As a baseline, participants completed a survey to assess their knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding addressing weight stigma. Based on fishbone analysis, 3 interventions were designed: 1) presentation on the impact and history of weight stigma; 2) facilitated clinical case discussion of a patient who had experienced weight stigma; and 3) revision of weighing practices in clinic to reduce weight stigma. Participants completed surveys before and after interventions as well as at the completion of the project. In December 2024, 6-month post-intervention surveys will be completed to assess for lasting impact. Average responses pre- and post-intervention and pre- and post-project, both immediately after project completion and 6 months afterwards, will be analyzed using two sample t-tests. Preliminary data has shown significant improvement in provider confidence and skills addressing weight stigma. Significance is defined as p value < 0.05. IRB approval is not required for this quality improvement project.