Evaluating a Comprehensive Obesity Care Training Program to Improve Access to Recommended Weight Management for Medicaid Patients Aged 5 and Older in Federally Qualified Health Centers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two training approaches for obesity care recommended by the US Preventive Services Task Force in Federally Qualified Health Centers FQHCs. The study aims to compare these approaches in terms of patient weight change, treatment reach, provider referrals, provider competencies, and the costs of implementation and services. This project focuses on youth and adults who receive Medicaid and addresses obesity management and prevention. The trial compares the Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Obesity Care CMOC training to the usual care training Implementation as Usual Control, IAUC for healthcare providers at FQHCs. During the first 12 months, providers receive either CMOC or IAUC training, followed by a 12-month sustainability period. After this, those in the IAUC group are offered the CMOC training. CMOC involves training providers including medical providers, dietitians, and behavioral health providers to deliver guideline-based obesity care using policy, clinical community links, and digital technology. Participants include both provider trainees and patients. Providers undergo training and their referral and care practices are monitored at 12 and 24 months. Patients weight changes are tracked over 2 to 29 months post-enrollment. Researchers collect data on patient weight, treatment use, provider competencies, and costs. The study runs from mid-2025 to the end of 2028 and includes assessments throughout the training and follow-up periods.

Advancing Biopsychosocial Care Training Initiative