Policy Brief: Moving beyond growth assessments to support families in NSW towards healthier living

In NSW Health clinical services, routine growth assessments and brief lifestyle interventions using a 4As framework (ask and assess; advise; assist; arrange) are recommended to support the identification and management of children living with overweight or obesity. This policy brief presents findings from a series of research evaluations conducted in Mid North Coast Local Health District, examining the implementation and impact of these practices, as well as the perceptions of health professionals and caregivers. This policy brief provides an update to stakeholders including policy makers in the NSW Ministry of Health, senior executives, middle managers and health professionals in MNCLHD about the key research findings and implications for policy and practice. The research found that children aged 2-16 years routinely receive growth assessments (assess) during clinical visits, but most families do not receive the complete, brief lifestyle intervention (advise, assist, arrange). This is especially true for children living with obesity who are the least likely to receive all components. Notably, the frequently omitted steps, lifestyle discussions and referrals, were identified as important for supporting behaviour change. Shifting the focus from weight to holistic health and health enhancing behaviours and addressing service and referral gaps may improve the impact, equity and acceptability of brief lifestyle interventions in NSW Health services.