Katherine Pereira publishes article entitled "Implementing an Evidence Based Guideline for Overweight/Obese Adults" in the Journal of Nurse Practitioners. Co-authors included Lorraine K. Perkins, DNP, FNP-BC, family nurse practitioner at Sentara Family Medicine in Williamsburg, Virginia; Ryan J. Shaw, PhD, RN, assistant professor at the Duke University School of Nursing; Gregory J. Biernacki, MD, MPH, physician at Sentara Family Medicine; and Julie Thompson, PhD,research associate at the Duke University School of Nursing.

Abstract: Recognition and management of weight conditions is suboptimal in primary care. This quality improvement project assessed the feasibility of using nurses and staff in a patient-centered medical home to implement the National Institutes of Health evidence-based weight management guidelines. The goal was to increase the percentage of adults receiving proper documentation of weight diagnosis and weight management plan during their annual exam. A retrospective analysis detected a significant increase in the documentation of correct weight diagnosis and weight management plan for overweight or obese patients after implementation of the guidelines. Results support the use of patient-centered medical home nurses and staff to address the epidemic of adult obesity.