The development of the Dutch “National model integrated care for childhood overweight and obesity”

Abstract

Background Childhood obesity is a chronic disease with negative physical and psychosocial health consequences. To manage childhood overweight and obesity, integrated care as part of an integrated approach is needed. To realise implementation of this integrated care, practical guidance for policy and practice is needed. The aim of this study is to describe the development of a Dutch national model of integrated care for childhood overweight and obesity and accompanying materials for policy and practice. Methods The development of the national model was led by a university-based team in collaboration with eight selected Dutch municipalities who were responsible for the local realisation of the integrated care and with frequent input from other stakeholders. Learning communities were organised to exchange knowledge, experiences and tools between the participating municipalities. Results The developed national model describes the vision, process, partners and finance of the integrated care. It sets out a structure that provides a basis for local integrated care that should facilitate support and care for children with overweight or obesity and their families. The accompanying materials are divided into materials for policymakers to support local realisation of the integrated care and materials for healthcare professionals to support them in delivering the needed support and care. Conclusions The developed national model and accompanying materials can contribute to improvement of support and care for children with overweight or obesity and their families, and thereby help improve the health, quality of life and societal participation of these children. Further implementation of the evidence- and practice-based integrated care while evaluating on the way is needed.

Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents With Obesity: A Randomized Qualitative Study Among Healthcare Professionals

“…Comprehensive models of care for adolescents with obesity include an individualized multiple-step path [ 18 ]. They comprise distinct steps and procedures for diagnosing, assessing, discussing risk factors, defining the approach, designing the care plan, executing the plan, and ensuring the sustainability of changes [ 18 ]. The formulation of these models largely uses Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) [ 6 ].…”

Guideline overweight and obesity in adults and children. Diagnostics, support and care for people with obesity or overweight combined with risk factors and/or comorbidities

“…Voor de lokale implementatie dient het kinderdeel van de nieuwe richtlijn gebruikt te worden in combinatie met het Landelijk model ketenaanpak voor kinderen met overgewicht en obesitas [10,29]. Dit model…”

Obesity care for youth during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Challenges youth healthcare nurses experienced in providing obesity care in the Netherlands

“…In this study, we focus on the experiences of youth health care nurses (YHC nurses) while trying to continue obesity care for children and young people during the pandemic in Amsterdam. In 2012 Amsterdam developed a Healthy Weight Approach (AHWA); co‐developed by 8 Dutch municipalities, this model, based on both scientific and practice‐based evidence, delineates a processual approach to the provision of integrated care for children aged 0–19 years with overweight and obesity (Halberstadt & Sijben, 2019; Koetsier et al, 2021). YHC nurse's key role, they coordinate care activities for all children with obesity and provide support in making lifestyle changes.…”