Produce prescription projects: Challenges, solutions, and emerging best practices - Perspectives from health care providers

Sarah A Stotz, Nadine Budd Nugent, Ronit Ridberg, Carmen Byker Shanks, Ka Her, Amy L Yaroch, Hilary Seligman, Sarah A Stotz, Nadine Budd Nugent, Ronit Ridberg, Carmen Byker Shanks, Ka Her, Amy L Yaroch, Hilary Seligman

Abstract

Produce prescription projects are becoming increasingly common. This study explores perspectives and experiences of a sample of health care providers throughout the United States participating in implementing produce prescription projects with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture. Surveys (N = 34) were administered to collect demographic and descriptive data. Subsequently, individual key-informant interviews with participating health care providers (N = 16) were conducted via videoconference. Participants in this study included physicians and clinical staff (e.g., nursing, nutrition, social work) who work at health care organizations that facilitate a produce prescription project. Interview transcripts were coded using thematic qualitative analysis methods. Four cross-cutting key themes emerged. First, interviewees shared operational challenges, including lack of time/staff, difficulty with provider/patient engagement (some related to COVID-19), steep "trial and error" learning curve, and formidable barriers related to data sharing and research-related requirements (e.g., Institutional Review Board approvals). Second, interviewees elucidated their solutions, lessons learned, and emerging best practices as a response to challenges (e.g., importance of having a full-time paid staff member to manage PPR within clinic). Third, interviewees expressed satisfaction with produce prescription projects, particularly related to positive patient experiences (e.g., improved clinical outcomes and improved food security). Fourth, interviewees also shared appreciation for rigorous program evaluation to establish sustained funding and advance policies. However, they contextualized this appreciation within challenges outlined regarding collecting and sharing patient-related data outcomes. Findings provide emergent best practices and inform additional resources that are needed to sustainably implement and rigorously evaluate produce prescription projects.

Keywords: Fruit and vegetable intake; Health care provider perspectives; Produce prescription; Qualitative.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

© 2022 The Authors.

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    1. Nutrition Incentive Hub. Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) – Nutrition Incentive Program Training, Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Information (NTAE) Center. .

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