e-Article
Improving food insecurity screening across a health system throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Kroese L; Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Lobo K; Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Meyer M; Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Tate J; Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Mays M; Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Adye R; Inova Children's Multispecialty Center, Inova Health System, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.; Qureshi H; Inova Cares Clinic for Children, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; University of Virginia School of Medicine, Inova Regional Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Al-Shammaa B; Inova Cares Clinic for Children, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; University of Virginia School of Medicine, Inova Regional Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Brito A; Inova Cares Clinic for Children, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; University of Virginia School of Medicine, Inova Regional Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Seo-Mayer P; Inova Children's Multispecialty Center, Inova Health System, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.; University of Virginia School of Medicine, Inova Regional Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.; Moyer K; Inova Children's Multispecialty Center, Inova Health System, Fairfax, Virginia, USA.; Port C; Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA courtney.port@inova.org.; University of Virginia School of Medicine, Inova Regional Campus, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.
Source
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101710381 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2399-6641 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 23996641 NLM ISO Abbreviation: BMJ Open Qual Subsets: MEDLINE
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Background: Food insecurity has direct and indirect negative outcomes on the physical and mental health of children, with impacts throughout adult life. Rates of food insecurity have increased dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends paediatricians screen and intervene to address food insecurity. We aimed to increase the percentage of patient encounters with food insecurity screening completion at the paediatric medical home from 0% to 85% by July 2020 with extension to the paediatric emergency department (ED) and paediatric specialty clinic in the following year.
Methods: This multicentre project occurred in three sites within our health system: a teaching safety-net, paediatric medical home; a paediatric ED; and five divisions within paediatric specialty medical clinics. A screening tool was created using the validated Hunger Vital Sign Questionnaire. A standard screening, documentation and referral process was developed. The Model for Improvement was used testing changes via Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.
Results: The percentage of households screened for food insecurity increased from a median of 0% to 30% for all sites combined. There was significant variability in screening with the ED screening a median of 24% and the medical home screening 80% by the end of the study period. A total of 9842 households (20.9%) screened were food insecure. During the study period, 895 families with 3925 household members received 69 791 pounds of food from our primary community resource using our clinic's food prescription. Of these families, 44% (398) also qualified for the US Department of Agriculture programme ensuring ongoing food distribution up to twice a month.
Discussion: Using quality improvement methodology to address a critical community need, we implemented food insecurity screening across a hospital system including multiple sites and specialties and provided critical resources to households in need.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.
(© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
Methods: This multicentre project occurred in three sites within our health system: a teaching safety-net, paediatric medical home; a paediatric ED; and five divisions within paediatric specialty medical clinics. A screening tool was created using the validated Hunger Vital Sign Questionnaire. A standard screening, documentation and referral process was developed. The Model for Improvement was used testing changes via Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles.
Results: The percentage of households screened for food insecurity increased from a median of 0% to 30% for all sites combined. There was significant variability in screening with the ED screening a median of 24% and the medical home screening 80% by the end of the study period. A total of 9842 households (20.9%) screened were food insecure. During the study period, 895 families with 3925 household members received 69 791 pounds of food from our primary community resource using our clinic's food prescription. Of these families, 44% (398) also qualified for the US Department of Agriculture programme ensuring ongoing food distribution up to twice a month.
Discussion: Using quality improvement methodology to address a critical community need, we implemented food insecurity screening across a hospital system including multiple sites and specialties and provided critical resources to households in need.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.
(© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)