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Houghtaling B, Short E, Shanks CB, Stotz SA, Yaroch A, Seligman H, Marriott JP, Eastman J, Long CR. Implementation of Food is Medicine Programs in Healthcare Settings: A Narrative Review. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08768-w. [PMID: 38662283 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08768-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Food is Medicine (FIM) programs to improve the accessibility of fruits and vegetables (FVs) or other healthy foods among patients with low income and diet-related chronic diseases are promising to improve food and nutrition security in the United States (US). However, FIM programs are relatively new and implementation guidance for healthcare settings using an implementation science lens is lacking. We used a narrative review to describe the evidence base on barriers and facilitators to FIM program integration in US healthcare settings following the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework. Evidence surrounding the EPIS Inner Context was a focus, including constructs Leadership, Organizational Characteristics, Quality and Fidelity Monitoring and Support, Organizational Staffing Processes, and Individual Characteristics. Peer-reviewed and grey literature about barriers and facilitators to FIM programs were of interest, defined as programs that screen and refer eligible patients with diet-related chronic disease experiencing food insecurity to healthy, unprepared foods. Thirty-one sources were included in the narrative review, including 22 peer-reviewed articles, four reports, four toolkits, and one thesis. Twenty-eight sources (90%) described EPIS Inner Context facilitators and 26 sources (84%) described FIM program barriers. The most common barriers and facilitators to FIM programs were regarding Quality and Fidelity Monitoring and Support (e.g., use of electronic medical records for tracking and evaluation, strategies to support implementation) and Organizational Staffing Processes (e.g., clear delineation of staff roles and capacity); although, barriers and facilitators to FIM programs were identified among all EPIS Inner Context constructs. We synthesized barriers and facilitators to create an EPIS-informed implementation checklist for healthcare settings for use among healthcare organizations/providers, partner organizations, and technical assistance personnel. We discuss future directions to align FIM efforts with implementation science terminology and theories, models, and frameworks to improve the implementation evidence base and support FIM researchers and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey Houghtaling
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Eliza Short
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Sarah A Stotz
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Amy Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Hilary Seligman
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Jenna Eastman
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
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Bourenane K, Emon N. Current State of Food Prescriptions Used to Treat Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the US Adult Population. Cureus 2024; 16:e53629. [PMID: 38449980 PMCID: PMC10915688 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiometabolic syndrome is unfortunately widely prevalent in medically underserved areas with one possible non-pharmacological solution being food prescriptions from food pharmacies. Food prescriptions are defined as when a physician prescribes certain foods as a treatment for health conditions. There seems to be a promising future for food prescriptions; however, there is a huge literature gap. Given this lack of knowledge regarding this burgeoning practice, we decided to review the current state of food prescriptions used to treat cardiometabolic conditions in the US adult clinical setting. A thorough search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles written about food prescriptions' impact on cardiometabolic risk factors was done. The keywords used included "food prescriptions, vegetables prescription, produce prescription, fruit prescriptions, food pharmacy, food as medicine, cardiometabolic, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, obesity, BMI, body mass index, triglycerides, and microalbuminuria." Of the 637 articles found with the associated keywords, 115 were kept after being screened by title and abstract. Finally, after a full-text record screening, 30 articles were deemed eligible based on our inclusion criteria. We analyzed the health markers, patient populations, methods of food procurement, and financial incentives in food prescription programs. On average, the implementation of food prescription programs decreased participants' BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and HbA1c. Participants in the programs were primarily comprised of African American, Hispanic, underinsured, low-income, older, and women groups. Programs with subsidies and vouchers had a higher compliance rate, and food sourced from farmers' markets, grocers, and mobile vendors had the best program compliance rates. According to the literature, adherence to food prescription programs on average decreases the BMI, blood pressure, waist circumference, and Hb1Ac of participants. However, those are the only biomarkers being studied currently, and future studies should incorporate other markers of chronic conditions. For example, a reliable indicator of cardiometabolic health is total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol, which should be measured in future experiments. Additionally, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol are all great markers of cardiometabolic health that can be measured in the future. The current implementation of many food prescription programs is in medically underserved areas. The patient populations are typically low-income, under- or uninsured, food insecure, and originating from diverse ethnic backgrounds. In the future, food prescription studies should be done on other ethnic populations including but not limited to Native Americans who also carry a large burden of preventable and chronic illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Bourenane
- Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM) School of Medicine, Colton, USA
| | - Nora Emon
- Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, USA
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Rudel RK, Byhoff E, Strombotne KL, Drainoni ML, Greece JA. Healthcare-based food assistance programmes in the United States: a scoping review and typology. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e128. [PMID: 38155805 PMCID: PMC10753472 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to identify the breadth of healthcare-based food assistance programmes in the United States and organize them into a typology of programmes to provide implementation guidance to aspiring food assistance programmers in healthcare settings. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2021, and mined reference lists. We used content analysis to extract programmatic details from each intervention and to qualitatively analyse intervention components to develop a typology for healthcare institutions in the United States. Eligible articles included descriptions of patient populations served and programmatic details. Articles were not required to include formal evaluations for inclusion in this scoping review. Our search resulted in 8706 abstracts, which yielded forty-three articles from thirty-five interventions. We identified three distinct programme types: direct food provision, referral, and voucher programmes. Programme type was influenced by programme goals, logistical considerations, such as staffing, food storage or refrigeration space, and existence of willing partner CBOs. Food provision programmes (n 13) were frequently permanent and leveraged partnerships with community-based organisations (CBOs) that provide food. Referral programmes (n 8) connected patients to CBOs for federal or local food assistance enrollment. Voucher programmes (n 14) prioritised provision of fruits and vegetables (n 10) and relied on a variety of clinic staff to refer patients to months-long programmes. Healthcare-based implementers can use this typology to design and maintain programmes that align with the needs of their sites and patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K. Rudel
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Elena Byhoff
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, Massachusetts 01655
| | - Kiersten L. Strombotne
- Department of Health, Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston Massachusetts 02118
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
- Department of Health, Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston Massachusetts 02118
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
| | - Jacey A. Greece
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02118
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Folta SC, Li Z, Cash SB, Hager K, Zhang FF. Adoption and implementation of produce prescription programs for under-resourced populations: clinic staff perspectives. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1221785. [PMID: 37964933 PMCID: PMC10641783 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1221785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Produce prescription programs represent a promising intervention strategy in the healthcare setting to address disparities in diet quality and diet-related chronic disease. The objective of this study was to understand adoption and implementation factors related to these programs that are common across contexts and those that are context-specific. Methods In this qualitative case comparison study, we conducted qualitative interviews with eight clinic staff from five primary care "safety net" clinics, identified by a partnering non-profit organization that operated the programs, in April-July 2021. Results Across clinics, the ability to provide a tangible benefit to patients was a key factor in adoption. Flexibility in integrating into clinic workflows was a facilitator of implementation. Fit with usual operations varied across clinics. Common challenges were the need for changes to the workflow and extra staff time. Clinic staff were skeptical about the sustainability of both the benefits to patients and the ability to continue the program at their clinics. Discussion This study adds to a growing body of knowledge on the adoption and implementation of produce prescription programs. Future research will further this understanding, providing the evidence necessary to guide adopting clinics and to make informed policy decisions to best promote the growth and financial sustainability of these programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Folta
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
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Stotz SA, Budd Nugent N, Ridberg R, Byker Shanks C, Her K, Yaroch AL, Seligman H. Produce prescription projects: Challenges, solutions, and emerging best practices – Perspectives from health care providers. Prev Med Rep 2022; 29:101951. [PMID: 36161127 PMCID: PMC9502043 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Stotz
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado School of Public Health, Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Aurora, CO, USA
- Corresponding author at: University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Colorado School of Public Health, Mail Stop F800, 13055 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045.
| | | | | | | | - Ka Her
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Amy L. Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Hilary Seligman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA and Center for Vulnerable Populations, San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Slagel N, Newman T, Sanville L, Dallas J, Cotto-Rivera E, Moore J, Roberts Mph A, Sun Lee J. Effects of a Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program With Expanded Education for Low-Income Adults. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2022; 49:10901981221091926. [PMID: 35535592 DOI: 10.1177/10901981221091926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Programs combine produce prescriptions and nutrition education to reduce fruit and vegetable consumption barriers and promote health among low-income patient populations. This study examined whether a multi-level FVRx intervention model with intensive education improves dietary behaviors, food security, and health outcomes over single-level interventions alone. A 6-month nonrandomized, parallel, controlled trial was conducted with one intervention, FVRx (n = 31) and two comparison groups, Ad hoc Nutrition Education (n = 13) and Control (n = 16). The FVRx group received produce prescriptions (US$1/day/household member) redeemable at a farmer's market, two SNAP-Ed programs, one financial literacy program, and monthly health screenings. The Nutrition Education (NE) group participated in one SNAP-Ed program, and the Control group received safety-net clinic care only. Surveys assessed dietary intake, food security, food purchasing practices, and financial and food resource management. Pre-post clinical biomarkers (blood lipid and hemoglobin A1c) and monthly biometrics (anthropometrics and blood pressure) were measured. Descriptive analysis and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted. Compared with comparison groups, FVRx participants significantly increased the frequency of consuming dark green vegetables, FVRx (0.36 ± 0.72); NE (0.14 ± 0.33); Control (-0.09 ± 0.19) cups/day (p < .05). FVRx participants significantly improved multiple healthful food purchasing practices, and the ability to afford more utilities (FVRx (33%); NE (0%); Control (10%); p < .05). Limited changes were observed in food security and clinical biomarker outcomes between groups. Combining expanded nutrition and financial literacy education with produce prescriptions improves low-income adults' financial and food resources, preference, knowledge, purchase, and consumption of locally grown vegetables over single-level interventions.
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Little M, Rosa E, Heasley C, Asif A, Dodd W, Richter A. Promoting Healthy Food Access and Nutrition in Primary Care: A Systematic Scoping Review of Food Prescription Programs. Am J Health Promot 2021; 36:518-536. [PMID: 34889656 PMCID: PMC8847755 DOI: 10.1177/08901171211056584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective To conduct a scoping review to synthesize evidence on food prescription programs. Data Source A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted using key words related to setting, interventions, and outcomes. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Publications were eligible if they reported food prescription administered by a health care practitioner (HCP) with the explicit aim of improving healthy food access and consumption, food security (FS), or health. Data Extraction A data charting form was used to extract relevant details on intervention characteristics, study methodology, and key findings. Data Synthesis Study and intervention characteristics were summarized. We undertook a thematic analysis to identify and report on themes. A critical appraisal of study quality was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results A total of 6145 abstracts were screened and 23 manuscripts were included in the review. Food prescriptions may improve fruit and vegetable consumption and reduce food insecurity (FI). Evidence for impacts on diet-related health outcomes is limited and mixed. The overall quality of included studies was weak. Addressing barriers such as stigma, transportation, and poor nutrition literacy may increase utilization of food prescriptions. Conclusion Food prescriptions are a promising health care intervention. There is a need for rigorous studies that incorporate larger sample sizes, control groups, and validated assessments of dietary intake, food security, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Little
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, 8205University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Ebony Rosa
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, 8205University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Cole Heasley
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, 3653University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Aiza Asif
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 3653University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Warren Dodd
- School of Public Health Sciences, 8430University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Abby Richter
- Guelph Community Health Center, Guelph, ON, Canada
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