Nurse-Led Telephone Follow-Up to Improve Parent Promotion of Healthy Behaviors in Young Children With Motivational Interviewing Techniques.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends primary care-based health promotion for obesity prevention at all visits, focusing on nutrition and activity.\n\n\nMETHODS\nIn this quality improvement project, a primary care innovation was developed to support parents in promoting healthy habits in their children ages 2 to 5years old. Nurse-led telephone support using motivational interviewing was implemented during two follow-up phone calls aimed at helping parent-child dyads reach self-created activity or nutrition goals.\n\n\nRESULTS\nParent-rated confidence and motivation related to meeting these goals showed significant increases. During the second call, 80% self-reported goal completion and high satisfaction with the visits. Registered nurses reported a significant increase in their self-efficacy of communication with parents.\n\n\nDISCUSSION\nThis project showed the feasibility of using nurse telephone visits in an urban low-income primary care setting to improve parental recognition and understanding of healthy habits that align with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for obesity prevention.