Child healthy weight
This section details work undertaken on the Child Healthy Weight programme by NHS Health Scotland and our partners.
Background
This is a developmental target, a key component of which is the evaluation that will contribute to the existing evidence base of effective interventions. NHS Health Scotland is working closely with health boards to put child healthy weight interventions into practice.
Work is taking place in the following two areas:
- networking to facilitate the sharing of learning and good practice
- the production of appropriate resources.
Child Healthy Weight network site
The Child Healthy Weight network site makes it easier for local and national partners to share resources and information. Professionals from all sectors interested in child healthy weight interventions are invited to join this free networking site.
The site provides members with:
- online surgery sessions on key topics
- forums for specific topics
- a resource bank of materials and information updates.
Join the Child Healthy Weight Network by emailing childhealthyweight@health.scot.nhs.uk.
Health board visits
NHS Health Scotland works with a range of key partners and stakeholders, including those involved in the design and delivery of child healthy weight interventions. We help ensure communication systems and resources support the work of our partner organisations.
The Child Healthy Weight programme team is in the process of visiting geographic boards and delivery partners to assess training, resource and evaluation support needs. These visits will inform the development of NHS Health Scotland’s Child Healthy Weight action plan. Relevant information will be shared with health boards and partners in Winter 2009.
Developing evidence
NHS Health Scotland commissioned a research report about the attitudes and beliefs of children, parents and professionals concerning child healthy weight. The final report builds on Scottish evidence about how best to tackle childhood obesity. These findings will also inform resource development.
Child Healthy Weight resources
We are currently developing new resources for children, parents and healthcare professionals to support the identification and recruitment of “obese” or “at risk” children. The delivery of the appropriate intervention will be informed by local experts working on child healthy weight interventions. These resources will be available to health boards in April 2010.
Learning and workforce development
NHS Health Scotland is developing an evidence briefing on behaviour change approaches for children and adolescents.
In addition, we are providing modular training in the areas of physical activity and nutrition standards, broader behaviour change and identification issues, and recruitment support.
Child Healthy Weight interventions national evaluation
A national evaluation is currently in progress. The evaluation will contribute to the evidence base of effective interventions. It will consist of linked qualitative studies which will involve parents, children and staff, and draw on their experiences of participation in the interventions.
Reviewed 10 December 2009