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Kristy K Martyn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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strategic modeling of the Pediatric Nurse practitioner workforce
Pediatrics, 2015Co-Authors: Greggory J Schell, Kristy K Martyn, Mariel S Lavieri, Alejandro Toriello, Gary L FreedAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To assess the current Pediatric Nurse practitioner (PNP) workforce and to investigate the impact of potential policy changes to address forecasted shortages. METHODS: We modeled the admission of students into nursing bachelor’s programs and followed them through advanced clinical programs. Prediction models were combined with optimal decision-making to determine best-case scenario admission levels. We computed 2 measures: (1) the absolute shortage and (2) the expected number of years until the PNP workforce will be able to fully satisfy PNP demand (ie, self-sufficiency). RESULTS: There is a forecasted shortage of PNPs in the workforce over the next 13 years. Under the best-case scenario, it would take at least 13 years for the workforce to fully satisfy demand. Our analysis of potential policy changes revealed that increasing the specialization rate for PNPs by 4% would decrease the number of years required until there are enough PNPs from 13 years to 5 years. Increasing the certification examination passing rate to 96% from the current average of 86.9% would lead to self-sufficiency in 11 years. In addition, increasing the annual growth rate of master’s programs to 36% from the current maximum of 10.7% would result in self-sufficiency in 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Current forecasts of demand for PNPs indicate that the current workforce will be incapable of satisfying the growing demand. Policy changes can result in a reduction in the expected shortage and potentially improve access to care for Pediatric patients.
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Pediatric Nurse practitioners influences on career choice
Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 2014Co-Authors: Gary L Freed, Kelly M Dunham, Kristy K Martyn, Jean Martin, Lauren M Moran, Laura SperaAbstract:Abstract Background The demand for hiring Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs) is strong. However, the number of newly educated PNPs has remained relatively flat during the past several years. Understanding the rationale and timing for the decision to pursue this profession is essential to having a positive impact on increasing the future workforce. Methods A mail survey of all new PNPs certified between January 2009 and July 2011 ( N = 1040) was conducted. Results The response rate was 79.9%. Nearly half of all respondents (45%, N = 314) reported that they work in outpatient general Pediatrics, 26% ( N = 184) in outpatient subspecialty Pediatrics, and 22% ( N = 152) in inpatient settings. More than one third (36%, N = 253) spend most of their time in a private practice. Forty percent ( N = 307) reported that they decided to pursue education as an advanced practice Nurse while in practice as a registered Nurse (RN), and 38% ( N = 289) made the decision before pursuing RN education. Conclusions Efforts to increase the PNP pipeline will need to be directed both to students during their RN education and to creating opportunities for current RNs to pursue advanced practice Nurse education that is focused on children.
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Pediatric Nurse practitioners roles and scope of practice
Pediatrics, 2010Co-Authors: Gary L Freed, Kelly M Dunham, Carol Lovelandcherry, Kara E Lamarand, Kristy K MartynAbstract:BACKGROUND: There are ∼13 000 Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs) in the United States. PNPs have been suggested as professionals who could provide care to the growing cadre of children with chronic illnesses and expand the pool of subspecialty care providers. Little is known about current roles of PNPs in primary or subspecialty care. OBJECTIVE: To gain a better understanding of the roles, focus of practice, professional setting, and professional responsibilities of PNPs. METHODS: We conducted a mail survey of a random national sample of 1200 PNPs stratified according to states that license NPs to practice independently. χ 2 statistics were used to assess responses from PNPs in states that allow independent practice versus those that do not and on PNPs in primary versus specialty care. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 82.4%. Ninety-six percent ( n = 636) of the PNPs were female. More than half of all the respondents (59% [ n = 391]) worked in primary care, and almost two-thirds (64% [ n = 394]) did not provide care in inpatient settings. Only 11% of the PNPs in states that allow independent practice, practiced independently. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of PNPs currently work in primary care, and most do not have any inpatient roles. It does not seem that independent PNP practices are responsible for a significant portion of Pediatric visits. For those who posit that PNPs will help alleviate the currently perceived shortage of Pediatric subspecialists, our findings indicate that it likely will not occur without a significant change in the PNP workforce distribution.
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Pediatric Nurse practitioners in the united states current distribution and recent trends in training
The Journal of Pediatrics, 2010Co-Authors: Gary L Freed, Kelly M Dunham, Carol Lovelandcherry, Kristy K MartynAbstract:Objective To assess the current distribution and training patterns of Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs). Study design Secondary data analysis from the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the 2008 US Census Bureau were used to estimate the distribution of PNPs per 100 000 children. Data on Nurse practitioner (NP) graduation and specialty education programs were obtained from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Results PNPs have the greatest concentration in the New England and mid-Atlantic regions and a narrow band of Midwestern states. States that allow PNPs to practice or prescribe independently do not consistently have a higher density of PNPs per child population. There has been a slight decrease in the proportion of programs that offer PNP training. In the last decade, the proportion of NP graduates pursuing family Nurse practitioner education has increased, and the proportion pursuing PNP education has decreased. Conclusion Workforce planning for the health care of children will require improved methods of assessment of the role of PNPs and the volume of care they provide. Increased use of PNPs in Pediatrics will likely require greater effort at recruitment of NPs into the PNP specialty.
William H Dietz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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treatment of child and adolescent obesity reports from Pediatricians Pediatric Nurse practitioners and registered dietitians
Pediatrics, 2002Co-Authors: Sarah E Barlow, Frederick L Trowbridge, William J Klish, William H DietzAbstract:Objective. The primary aim of this study was to identify interventions used by Pediatric health care providers in treatment of overweight children and adolescents to identify provider educational needs. A secondary aim was to examine the association of certain provider characteristics with recommended evaluation practices. Study Design. A random sample of Pediatricians, Pediatric Nurse practitioners, and registered dietitians (RDs) received questionnaires about their diet, activity, and medication recommendations for overweight patients and about referrals to specialists and programs. Results were examined for adherence to published recommendations and for associations with certain respondent characteristics. Results. A total of 940 providers responded (response rate: 19%–33%). The majority recommended “changes in eating patterns” and “limitations of specific foods.” Half or more used “low-fat diet” and “modest calorie restriction” in adolescents. Less than 15% used “very low-calorie diet.” Fewer RDs recommended more restrictive diets. More than 60% of all groups followed recommended eating interventions for school-aged children and adolescents. More than 80% followed recommended physical activity interventions for all age groups. In each group, about 5% sometimes recommended prescription medication and herbal remedies for adolescents. None recommended surgery. Two thirds of Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurse practitioners often referred to RDs. Approximately 20% referred to child/adolescent weight programs, but for 27% to 42%, these programs or Pediatric obesity specialists were not available. No consistent associations between respondent characteristics and adherence to recommended interventions were identified. Conclusions. The providers generally promoted healthy eating and activity with minimal use of highly restrictive diets or medication to control weight.
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medical evaluation of overweight children and adolescents reports from Pediatricians Pediatric Nurse practitioners and registered dietitians
Pediatrics, 2002Co-Authors: Sarah E Barlow, William J Klish, William H Dietz, Frederick L TrowbridgeAbstract:Objective. The primary aim of this study was to determine how Pediatric health care providers identify overweight in children and adolescents and how they evaluate obesity-related medical complications. This information can guide development of programs to help providers improve their evaluation practices. A secondary objective was to examine the association of certain provider characteristics with recommended evaluation practices. Methods. A random sample of Pediatricians, Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs), and registered dietitians received a questionnaire about their evaluation of overweight children and adolescents. Results were compared with published recommendations. Associations between respondent characteristics and adherence to published recommendations were examined. Results. A total 940 providers responded (response rate: 19%–33%). Among all 3 groups a majority frequently used clinical impression, weight-for-age percentile, weight-for-height percent, and weight-for-height percentile to assess degree of overweight. Nearly all Pediatricians and PNPs routinely evaluated blood pressure, but a minority routinely looked for orthopedic problems, insulin resistance, and sleep disorders. Less than 10% followed all recommendations for history and physical examination. Two thirds of Pediatricians and PNPs routinely tested for lipid abnormalities. Most providers asked about family history of overweight, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, but only one third asked about gallbladder disease. In general, the provider’s specialty, years in practice, gender, and body mass index were not associated with adherence to recommended practices. Conclusions. Medical evaluation of overweight children and adolescents fell short of recommended practices. These results point to the need for educational efforts to increase awareness of medical risks and for tools to facilitate more complete evaluation during office visits.
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management of child and adolescent obesity summary and recommendations based on reports from Pediatricians Pediatric Nurse practitioners and registered dietitians
Pediatrics, 2002Co-Authors: Sarah E Barlow, William H DietzAbstract:Intensive, behavior-based weight loss programs for children have proved successful in clinical studies,1 but these approaches have not yet been translated to effective office care. In 1996, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health (NCEMCH) convened a committee of experts in childhood obesity to recommend the medical, emotional, and behavioral evaluations that should precede efforts to control weight, and appropriate intervention approaches shown to be successful in comprehensive behavior programs.2 Although the effectiveness of the recommendations has not yet been tested, they represent the best available guide for practice. Physicians, registered dietitians (RDs), and Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs) care for more overweight patients now than they did several decades ago. Not all address the problem or evaluate and treat overweight children and adolescents in ways that are consistent with the expert recommendations. A review of current practices to identify those that commonly differ from recommendations will guide development of strategies to assist providers in following recommended practices. Potential interventions include education, removal of barriers in the health care system, and practical office aids such as body mass index (BMI) calculators or medical evaluation checklists. The assessment of needs to identify problem areas is the first step to improve provider practices. Research about the attitudes and practices of Pediatric health care providers when they address obesity is sparse. Price et al3 found a high level of concern about obesity among members of the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, they focused primarily on treatment recommendations and did not seek information about medical, psychological, or emotional evaluation, or barriers to care. Other studies have assessed attitudes and practices of physicians of adult patients.4–6 …
Gary L Freed - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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strategic modeling of the Pediatric Nurse practitioner workforce
Pediatrics, 2015Co-Authors: Greggory J Schell, Kristy K Martyn, Mariel S Lavieri, Alejandro Toriello, Gary L FreedAbstract:OBJECTIVE: To assess the current Pediatric Nurse practitioner (PNP) workforce and to investigate the impact of potential policy changes to address forecasted shortages. METHODS: We modeled the admission of students into nursing bachelor’s programs and followed them through advanced clinical programs. Prediction models were combined with optimal decision-making to determine best-case scenario admission levels. We computed 2 measures: (1) the absolute shortage and (2) the expected number of years until the PNP workforce will be able to fully satisfy PNP demand (ie, self-sufficiency). RESULTS: There is a forecasted shortage of PNPs in the workforce over the next 13 years. Under the best-case scenario, it would take at least 13 years for the workforce to fully satisfy demand. Our analysis of potential policy changes revealed that increasing the specialization rate for PNPs by 4% would decrease the number of years required until there are enough PNPs from 13 years to 5 years. Increasing the certification examination passing rate to 96% from the current average of 86.9% would lead to self-sufficiency in 11 years. In addition, increasing the annual growth rate of master’s programs to 36% from the current maximum of 10.7% would result in self-sufficiency in 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Current forecasts of demand for PNPs indicate that the current workforce will be incapable of satisfying the growing demand. Policy changes can result in a reduction in the expected shortage and potentially improve access to care for Pediatric patients.
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Pediatric Nurse practitioners influences on career choice
Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 2014Co-Authors: Gary L Freed, Kelly M Dunham, Kristy K Martyn, Jean Martin, Lauren M Moran, Laura SperaAbstract:Abstract Background The demand for hiring Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs) is strong. However, the number of newly educated PNPs has remained relatively flat during the past several years. Understanding the rationale and timing for the decision to pursue this profession is essential to having a positive impact on increasing the future workforce. Methods A mail survey of all new PNPs certified between January 2009 and July 2011 ( N = 1040) was conducted. Results The response rate was 79.9%. Nearly half of all respondents (45%, N = 314) reported that they work in outpatient general Pediatrics, 26% ( N = 184) in outpatient subspecialty Pediatrics, and 22% ( N = 152) in inpatient settings. More than one third (36%, N = 253) spend most of their time in a private practice. Forty percent ( N = 307) reported that they decided to pursue education as an advanced practice Nurse while in practice as a registered Nurse (RN), and 38% ( N = 289) made the decision before pursuing RN education. Conclusions Efforts to increase the PNP pipeline will need to be directed both to students during their RN education and to creating opportunities for current RNs to pursue advanced practice Nurse education that is focused on children.
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Pediatric Nurse practitioners roles and scope of practice
Pediatrics, 2010Co-Authors: Gary L Freed, Kelly M Dunham, Carol Lovelandcherry, Kara E Lamarand, Kristy K MartynAbstract:BACKGROUND: There are ∼13 000 Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs) in the United States. PNPs have been suggested as professionals who could provide care to the growing cadre of children with chronic illnesses and expand the pool of subspecialty care providers. Little is known about current roles of PNPs in primary or subspecialty care. OBJECTIVE: To gain a better understanding of the roles, focus of practice, professional setting, and professional responsibilities of PNPs. METHODS: We conducted a mail survey of a random national sample of 1200 PNPs stratified according to states that license NPs to practice independently. χ 2 statistics were used to assess responses from PNPs in states that allow independent practice versus those that do not and on PNPs in primary versus specialty care. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 82.4%. Ninety-six percent ( n = 636) of the PNPs were female. More than half of all the respondents (59% [ n = 391]) worked in primary care, and almost two-thirds (64% [ n = 394]) did not provide care in inpatient settings. Only 11% of the PNPs in states that allow independent practice, practiced independently. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of PNPs currently work in primary care, and most do not have any inpatient roles. It does not seem that independent PNP practices are responsible for a significant portion of Pediatric visits. For those who posit that PNPs will help alleviate the currently perceived shortage of Pediatric subspecialists, our findings indicate that it likely will not occur without a significant change in the PNP workforce distribution.
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Pediatric Nurse practitioners in the united states current distribution and recent trends in training
The Journal of Pediatrics, 2010Co-Authors: Gary L Freed, Kelly M Dunham, Carol Lovelandcherry, Kristy K MartynAbstract:Objective To assess the current distribution and training patterns of Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs). Study design Secondary data analysis from the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the 2008 US Census Bureau were used to estimate the distribution of PNPs per 100 000 children. Data on Nurse practitioner (NP) graduation and specialty education programs were obtained from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Results PNPs have the greatest concentration in the New England and mid-Atlantic regions and a narrow band of Midwestern states. States that allow PNPs to practice or prescribe independently do not consistently have a higher density of PNPs per child population. There has been a slight decrease in the proportion of programs that offer PNP training. In the last decade, the proportion of NP graduates pursuing family Nurse practitioner education has increased, and the proportion pursuing PNP education has decreased. Conclusion Workforce planning for the health care of children will require improved methods of assessment of the role of PNPs and the volume of care they provide. Increased use of PNPs in Pediatrics will likely require greater effort at recruitment of NPs into the PNP specialty.
June K. Robinson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Caregivers’ Response to Pediatric Clinicians Sun Protection Anticipatory Guidance: Sun Protective Swim Shirts for 2-6 year old Children
Journal of community medicine & health education, 2014Co-Authors: Neetal Bhave, Katie Reidy, Randall Kinsella T, Amy L Brodsky, June K. RobinsonAbstract:Background: Sun exposure, particularly during childhood, is an important contributing factor in the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Relying on sunscreen as the sole method of sun protection is problematic and may provide insufficient sun protection for the user due to failure to protect some areas of the body, and wearing off with physical activities like swimming. The response of caregivers of children aged 2-6 years old to anticipatory guidance by Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurse practitioners regarding sun protection, especially using sun protective swim shirts (swim shirts), was evaluated. Study design: A convenience sample of caregivers completed a self-report questionnaire at three offices of a suburban Pediatric practice from June to August 2014. Clinicians counseled caregivers on sun protection practices and provided caregivers an anticipatory guidance tip sheet with a voucher to obtain online a free swim shirt for their child. Voucher redemption and having a swim shirt were assessed. Results: Pediatric clinicians delivered the sun protection recommendations during well-child visits in less than 2 minutes. Caregivers completed 824 questionnaires across the three clinical sites. Caregivers were more likely to redeem a swim shirt for a male child between the ages of 2 and 6 years old (P=. 045). Female caregivers, who completed college or had a graduate degree, were more likely to obtain the swim shirt. (P=. 010) Additionally, caregivers were prompted by sunny weather to redeem a swim shirt for their child. Hispanic caregivers were less likely to redeem a voucher than others (P
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caregivers response to Pediatric clinicians sun protection anticipatory guidance sun protective swim shirts for 2 6 year old children
Journal of community medicine & health education, 2014Co-Authors: Neetal Bhave, Katie Reidy, Randall Kinsella T, Amy L Brodsky, June K. RobinsonAbstract:Background: Sun exposure, particularly during childhood, is an important contributing factor in the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Relying on sunscreen as the sole method of sun protection is problematic and may provide insufficient sun protection for the user due to failure to protect some areas of the body, and wearing off with physical activities like swimming. The response of caregivers of children aged 2-6 years old to anticipatory guidance by Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurse practitioners regarding sun protection, especially using sun protective swim shirts (swim shirts), was evaluated. Study design: A convenience sample of caregivers completed a self-report questionnaire at three offices of a suburban Pediatric practice from June to August 2014. Clinicians counseled caregivers on sun protection practices and provided caregivers an anticipatory guidance tip sheet with a voucher to obtain online a free swim shirt for their child. Voucher redemption and having a swim shirt were assessed. Results: Pediatric clinicians delivered the sun protection recommendations during well-child visits in less than 2 minutes. Caregivers completed 824 questionnaires across the three clinical sites. Caregivers were more likely to redeem a swim shirt for a male child between the ages of 2 and 6 years old (P=. 045). Female caregivers, who completed college or had a graduate degree, were more likely to obtain the swim shirt. (P=. 010) Additionally, caregivers were prompted by sunny weather to redeem a swim shirt for their child. Hispanic caregivers were less likely to redeem a voucher than others (P<.05) Conclusions: Swim shirt redemption by caregivers of children aged 2 to 6 years was related to sunny weather, and the gender of the child.
Sarah E Barlow - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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treatment of child and adolescent obesity reports from Pediatricians Pediatric Nurse practitioners and registered dietitians
Pediatrics, 2002Co-Authors: Sarah E Barlow, Frederick L Trowbridge, William J Klish, William H DietzAbstract:Objective. The primary aim of this study was to identify interventions used by Pediatric health care providers in treatment of overweight children and adolescents to identify provider educational needs. A secondary aim was to examine the association of certain provider characteristics with recommended evaluation practices. Study Design. A random sample of Pediatricians, Pediatric Nurse practitioners, and registered dietitians (RDs) received questionnaires about their diet, activity, and medication recommendations for overweight patients and about referrals to specialists and programs. Results were examined for adherence to published recommendations and for associations with certain respondent characteristics. Results. A total of 940 providers responded (response rate: 19%–33%). The majority recommended “changes in eating patterns” and “limitations of specific foods.” Half or more used “low-fat diet” and “modest calorie restriction” in adolescents. Less than 15% used “very low-calorie diet.” Fewer RDs recommended more restrictive diets. More than 60% of all groups followed recommended eating interventions for school-aged children and adolescents. More than 80% followed recommended physical activity interventions for all age groups. In each group, about 5% sometimes recommended prescription medication and herbal remedies for adolescents. None recommended surgery. Two thirds of Pediatricians and Pediatric Nurse practitioners often referred to RDs. Approximately 20% referred to child/adolescent weight programs, but for 27% to 42%, these programs or Pediatric obesity specialists were not available. No consistent associations between respondent characteristics and adherence to recommended interventions were identified. Conclusions. The providers generally promoted healthy eating and activity with minimal use of highly restrictive diets or medication to control weight.
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medical evaluation of overweight children and adolescents reports from Pediatricians Pediatric Nurse practitioners and registered dietitians
Pediatrics, 2002Co-Authors: Sarah E Barlow, William J Klish, William H Dietz, Frederick L TrowbridgeAbstract:Objective. The primary aim of this study was to determine how Pediatric health care providers identify overweight in children and adolescents and how they evaluate obesity-related medical complications. This information can guide development of programs to help providers improve their evaluation practices. A secondary objective was to examine the association of certain provider characteristics with recommended evaluation practices. Methods. A random sample of Pediatricians, Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs), and registered dietitians received a questionnaire about their evaluation of overweight children and adolescents. Results were compared with published recommendations. Associations between respondent characteristics and adherence to published recommendations were examined. Results. A total 940 providers responded (response rate: 19%–33%). Among all 3 groups a majority frequently used clinical impression, weight-for-age percentile, weight-for-height percent, and weight-for-height percentile to assess degree of overweight. Nearly all Pediatricians and PNPs routinely evaluated blood pressure, but a minority routinely looked for orthopedic problems, insulin resistance, and sleep disorders. Less than 10% followed all recommendations for history and physical examination. Two thirds of Pediatricians and PNPs routinely tested for lipid abnormalities. Most providers asked about family history of overweight, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, but only one third asked about gallbladder disease. In general, the provider’s specialty, years in practice, gender, and body mass index were not associated with adherence to recommended practices. Conclusions. Medical evaluation of overweight children and adolescents fell short of recommended practices. These results point to the need for educational efforts to increase awareness of medical risks and for tools to facilitate more complete evaluation during office visits.
-
management of child and adolescent obesity summary and recommendations based on reports from Pediatricians Pediatric Nurse practitioners and registered dietitians
Pediatrics, 2002Co-Authors: Sarah E Barlow, William H DietzAbstract:Intensive, behavior-based weight loss programs for children have proved successful in clinical studies,1 but these approaches have not yet been translated to effective office care. In 1996, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health (NCEMCH) convened a committee of experts in childhood obesity to recommend the medical, emotional, and behavioral evaluations that should precede efforts to control weight, and appropriate intervention approaches shown to be successful in comprehensive behavior programs.2 Although the effectiveness of the recommendations has not yet been tested, they represent the best available guide for practice. Physicians, registered dietitians (RDs), and Pediatric Nurse practitioners (PNPs) care for more overweight patients now than they did several decades ago. Not all address the problem or evaluate and treat overweight children and adolescents in ways that are consistent with the expert recommendations. A review of current practices to identify those that commonly differ from recommendations will guide development of strategies to assist providers in following recommended practices. Potential interventions include education, removal of barriers in the health care system, and practical office aids such as body mass index (BMI) calculators or medical evaluation checklists. The assessment of needs to identify problem areas is the first step to improve provider practices. Research about the attitudes and practices of Pediatric health care providers when they address obesity is sparse. Price et al3 found a high level of concern about obesity among members of the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, they focused primarily on treatment recommendations and did not seek information about medical, psychological, or emotional evaluation, or barriers to care. Other studies have assessed attitudes and practices of physicians of adult patients.4–6 …
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management of child and adolescent obesity attitudes barriers skills and training needs among health care professionals
Pediatrics, 2002Co-Authors: Mary Story, Frederick L Trowbridge, Dianne Neumarkstzainer, Nancy E Sherwood, Katrina Holt, Denise Sofka, Sarah E BarlowAbstract:The primary aim of this study was to evaluate among health care professionals their attitudes, perceived barriers, perceived skill level, and training needs in the management of child and adolescent obesity. A national needs assessment consisting of a mailed questionnaire was conducted among a random sample of health care professionals. The survey was completed by 202 Pediatricians, 293 Pediatric Nurse practitioners, and 444 registered dietitians. The majority of all respondents felt that childhood obesity was a condition that needs treatment), and affects chronic disease risk and future quality of life. The most frequent barriers were lack of parent involvement, lack of patient motivation, and lack of support services. Registered dietitians were less likely to identify barriers to treatment compared with Pediatricians or Pediatric Nurse practitioners. The most common areas of self-perceived low proficiency were in the use of behavioral management strategies,guidance in parenting techniques, and addressing family conflicts. All 3 groups expressed high interest in additional training on obesity management of children and adolescents. Several important barriers interfere with treatment efforts and need to be addressed.There is also a need for increased training opportunities related to obesity prevention and treatment. The results of this study provide directions and priorities for training, education, and advocacy efforts.