Electronic Health Record Prompts for Childhood Obesity

(iPOP-UP Trial)

This trial aims to determine if electronic health record prompts can more effectively manage childhood obesity in primary care settings. The study will compare practices using these prompts with those following usual care guidelines. Children aged 2 to 18 with a BMI at or above the 85th percentile, who visit participating primary care practices, might benefit most from this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative healthcare solutions for childhood obesity.

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on implementing electronic health record tools rather than changing medication regimens.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that reminders in Electronic Health Records (EHR), such as those in the iPOP-UP program, help doctors more easily identify children at risk for obesity. This tool provides doctors with helpful reminders and advice directly in the patient's digital record.

EHR reminders have been implemented in many settings and are generally considered safe. No reports indicate problems directly caused by using these digital tools to manage childhood obesity. Since these reminders assist doctors in decision-making rather than performing medical procedures, they are usually well-accepted.

Researchers are excited about the iPOP-UP intervention because it leverages electronic health records (EHR) to provide tailored clinical decision support (CDS) tools for managing childhood obesity. Unlike traditional methods that rely on general guidelines and in-person consultations, iPOP-UP integrates directly into the workflow of healthcare providers, offering immediate, personalized prompts during patient visits. This approach aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of obesity management by providing evidence-based recommendations in real-time, potentially leading to better health outcomes for children.

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of Electronic Health Record (EHR) prompts in managing childhood obesity. Research has shown that EHR reminders can help doctors and nurses manage childhood obesity more effectively. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups: those using the iPOP-UP Clinical Decision Support Tool, which includes EHR-based prompts, and a control group receiving usual care without the iPOP-UP tool. Studies have found that these reminders help doctors identify children at risk of becoming overweight. EHR tools also ensure that healthcare providers follow national guidelines for treating obesity in children. Early results suggest that these reminders lead to better weight management in children. Overall, these tools appear promising for improving obesity care in primary healthcare settings.¹²³⁴⁶