NR 706 Week 4 Assignment; Translation Science Project

Translation Science Project Taylor Schilling Chamberlain College of Nursing NR706: Healthcare Informatics Information Systems July 2024 Translation Science Project This translation science project aims to analyze and evaluate the current literature that supports developing and implementing an evidence-based mindfulness approach to weight loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), the prevalence of obesity in the United States was 41.9% in 2020. This shows an 11.5% increase since the turn of the century and is only expected to worsen unless Americans control their health, well-being, and weight. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2021) reports that during this same time period, the rates of severe obesity have nearly doubled from 4.7% to 9.2%. Due to comorbidities and the indirect effects of obesity on a person’s health, mortality rates of obesity can be quite difficult to quantify (Trust for America’s Health, 2020). Some of the most recent estimates show that around 4.7 million deaths and 148 million disability-adjusted life-years in 2017 were attributed to obesity (de Cosio et al., 2021). Additionally, the CDC gauges the economic burden of obesity to be around $173 billion (CDC, 2021). Unfortunately, these numbers continue to rise, and obesity rates are skyrocketing as the years pass due to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, etc. Ultimately, the solution to weight management and obesity prevention lies in holistic care that includes monitoring and individualizing interventions that address dietary and exercise habits, along with the frequently overlooked emotional and mental aspects of care. Practice Problem and Question Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based intervention increasingly studied and implemented in obesity management (Compan-Gabucio et al., 2023). According to the American Psychological Association (2017), CBT is a psychotherapeutic approach to identifying and addressing dysfunctional emotions, cognitions, and behaviors, which is used to reduce and manage symptoms of various mental health conditions. Implementing this type of therapy can be beneficial in helping identify mental and emotional concerns that contribute to obesity. This might include identifying behaviors and thought patterns that lead to overeating or non-compliance with weight loss lifestyle interventions. It is also a great way to develop new habits and become more self-aware and self-reflective on contributing factors to a person’s obesity. Not only is this beneficial for the individual, as it helps them implement permanent habits and identify the root cause of their issue, but it also helps them stay accountable and develop life-long strategies for weight management. Additionally, their longevity and quality of life tend to improve as well. From an institutional standpoint, it can help lower the cost of healthcare, as many comorbidities associated with obesity are costly to manage and treat, posing a significant financial burden on the organization itself, as well as the United States healthcare system. This evolving strategy in obesity management poses the following question. In obese adults over the age of 18, does the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in addition to diet and exercise aid in the treatment and management of obesity when compared to