Lindsay Hought, MBA, BS
Nursing Student
Kathleen R. Stevens, RN, EdD, FAAN
Professor and Director/Academic Center for Evidence-Based Nursing
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio – School of Nursing
Problem:
Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in America , costing over $200 billion nationally. Despite the vast array of weight-loss programs, obesity is an epidemic. A wide array of types of knowledge on the topic exists, complicating wise selection of practice approaches.
Evidence:
Evidence from original research, summarized research, policy, standard practices, and impact of practices were used to create an overview of our knowledge of treating obesity.
Strategy:
Evidence was obtained and organized around the ACE Star Model of Knowledge Utilization, specifically for each point on the model. Each point represents a stage in the transformation of obesity knowledge as it moves from original research to clinical best practice.
Practice Change:
The knowledge of treating obesity is scattered across various stages of transformation. The Star Model reveals a broad understanding of the gaps in knowledge of obesity treatment.
Evaluation:
The outcomes evaluated were utility of the Model and its ability to direct practice.
Results:
As clinicians obtain and analyze knowledge for quality improvement, the ACE Star Model provides direction and organization of knowledge in its various stages of transformation and can be applied to most clinical pursuits.
Recommendations:
Using the ACE Star Model, we learned that best practice includes screening for obesity. Treatment ranges from counseling to invasive surgery. Discovery of additional knowledge through research is greatly needed to guide treatment of obesity efficaciously.
References:
Stevens, K. R. (2002). ACE Star Model of EBP: The Cycle of Knowledge Transformation. Academic Center for
Evidence-based Practice. www.acestar.uthscsa.edu.
Academic Center for Evidence-Based Nursing