Strategies and Challenges: Qualitative Lessons Learned From Georgia Produce Prescription Programs

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110285
Author(s):  
Taylor Newman ◽  
Jung Sun Lee

Produce prescription programs (PPPs) have grown in numbers in the past decade, empowering health care providers to promote health by issuing subsidies for produce to vulnerable patients. However, little research has been conducted on the facilitators that make it easier for PPPs to succeed or the barriers that programs face, which could provide guidance on how to improve future PPP design and implementation. The study sought to identify the facilitators and barriers affecting positive outcomes in Georgia PPPs called Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Programs. A process evaluation with a qualitative comparative case study approach was conducted. Fifteen FVRx providers, ranging from nutrition educators to farmers market managers, were interviewed in a focus group interview or on the phone between 2016 and 2017. Two nutrition education classes and an FVRx best practices meeting were observed, and program documents were collected. Interview transcripts, field notes from observations, and documents were then thematically analyzed. Four overall themes were determined regarding facilitators and barriers experienced by FVRx programs: (1) creating accessible programming may encourage FVRx participation, (2) provider dedication to the program is important, (3) participants’ challenging life circumstances can make participation difficult, and (4) the sustainability of the program is a concern. The findings of this study suggest helpful strategies and challenges for providers to consider when developing and implementing PPPs in Georgia and beyond. Research on the long-term program impact is needed, and policy options for sustainable, scaling up of PPPs should be explored.

2003 ◽  
Vol 42 (02) ◽  
pp. 185-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Haux ◽  
C. Kulikowski ◽  
A. Bohne ◽  
R. Brandner ◽  
B. Brigl ◽  
...  

Summary Objectives: The Yearbook of Medical Informatics is published annually by the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) and contains a selection of excellent papers on medical informatics research which have been recently published (www.yearbook.uni-hd.de). The 2003 Yearbook of Medical Informatics took as its theme the role of medical informatics for the quality of health care. In this paper, we will discuss challenges for health care, and the lessons learned from editing IMIA Yearbook 2003. Results and Conclusions: Modern information processing methodology and information and communication technology have strongly influenced our societies and health care. As a consequence of this, medical informatics as a discipline has taken a leading role in the further development of health care. This involves developing information systems that enhance opportunities for global access to health services and medical knowledge. Informatics methodology and technology will facilitate high quality of care in aging societies, and will decrease the possibilities of health care errors. It will also enable the dissemination of the latest medical and health information on the web to consumers and health care providers alike. The selected papers of the IMIA Yearbook 2003 present clear examples and future challenges, and they highlight how various sub-disciplines of medical informatics can contribute to this.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 432-438
Author(s):  
Kimberly C. McKeirnan ◽  
Karen Colorafi ◽  
Shannon G. Panther ◽  
Darryl Potyk ◽  
John McCarthy

OBJECTIVE: To describe an interdisciplinary academic detailing project implemented to address low pneumococcal immunization rates. SETTING: Two medical clinics and four community pharmacies in rural Washington state. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: The two medical clinics and four community pharmacies were all located in two rural counties and serve geographically large rural areas. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Academic detailing is an evidence-based approach designed to change clinical practice and improve decision-making. Our team utilized the academic detailing model to provide educational outreach to local rural health care providers. The detailing team visited each clinic and pharmacy on a defined schedule and provided information to physicians, clinic administrators, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, medical assistants, and clinic front-end staff. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The project team maintained detailed field notes from each academic detailing the visit and met to debrief about each encounter. From the field notes, through the process of thematic analysis and analytic memoing, the project team produced a list of "lessons learned" that could be used to guide other interprofessional teams wishing to embark on an academic detailing project. RESULTS: We have identified four key "lessons learned": Interprofessional team members bring different strengths to the project; using same-discipline team members paved the way for success; involving students aids in educating future practitioners in interprofessional practice; and scheduling meetings in advance is important. CONCLUSION: We described an approach to enhanced academic detailing using interprofessional team delivery, bringing interprofessional practice into the real-world practice setting.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Kitilya ◽  
Erica Sanga ◽  
George PrayGod ◽  
Robert Peck ◽  
Bazil B Kavishe ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundPeople Living with HIV (PLWH) have low levels of physical activity. Understanding of perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity in this population is of importance for future perspectives in developing contextual based intervention to improve physical activity in PLWH. MethodThis study explored perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity in PLWH using sixteen in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania. The interviews and discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Transcripts were coded and analysed deductively using thematic content analysis. The themes were interpreted and presented using the social ecological model. ResultsForty-three PLWH age 23-61 years old participated in this study. The findings showed that, PLWH perceived physical activity was beneficial to their health and that their perceptions and practices were rooted within the existing gender stereotypes and roles in the community. In addition to that, house-chores and income generating activities were perceived as sufficient physical activity to achieve adequate levels of physical activity. As facilitators, social support and interactions from family and friends were appraised positively as motivating factors of physical activity in this population. Indeed, at individual to community/environmental levels, PLWH reported barriers of physical activity were lack of time, money, and availability of facilities, as well as lack of social groups participating in physical activity in the communities and inadequate information on physical activity from health care providers at ART clinics. HIV disease was not reported as a main barrier of physical activity but rather stipulated from family members as a reason not to support physical activity in PLWH. ConclusionThe findings demonstrated differing perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity among PLWH. Interventions addressing physical activity awareness, gender stereotypes and roles relating to physical activity performances from individual to community level, building supportive environment and infrastructures are needed to elevate physical activity levels in PLWH particularly in low and -middle income countries.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofía Gómez ◽  
Heide Castañeda

The “DACAmented Voices in Healthcare” project examined the intersection of restrictive immigration policies and health care via photovoice, a participatory action research approach, with immigrant youth living in Arizona, who were recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These “DACAmented” youth took part in nine photovoice sessions exploring their health care experiences and accessibility to care using documentary photography and narratives. They poignantly illustrated their experiences through images identifying their main health concerns and strengths, facilitating the development of health policy recommendations. This article illustrates the thematic findings and discusses policy recommendations and lessons learned from presentations to policy makers and health care providers. Findings suggest that immigrant youth are knowledgeable of their family’s health care needs and hold a unique and important position within mixed-status households. Health care providers can benefit from the proposed recommendations by building bridges to care to address health equity in immigrant communities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
Antoinette B. Coe ◽  
Rebecca E. Bookstaver ◽  
Andrew C. Fritschle ◽  
Michael T. Kenes ◽  
Pamela MacTavish ◽  
...  

Background: Complex medication regimen changes burden intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and their caregivers during the transition to home. Intensive care unit recovery clinics are a prime setting for pharmacists to address patients’ and their caregivers’ medication-related needs. The purpose of this study was to describe ICU recovery clinic pharmacists’ activities, roles, and perceived barriers and facilitators to practicing in ICU recovery clinics across different institutions. Methods: An expert panel of ICU recovery clinic pharmacists completed a 15-item survey. Survey items addressed the pharmacists’ years in practice, education and training, activities performed, their perceptions of facilitators and barriers to practicing in an ICU recovery clinic setting, and general ICU recovery clinic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Nine ICU recovery clinic pharmacists participated. The average number of years in practice was 16.5 years (SD = 13.5, range = 2-38). All pharmacists practiced in an interprofessional ICU recovery clinic affiliated with an academic medical center. Seven (78%) pharmacists always performed medication reconciliation and a comprehensive medication review in each patient visit. Need for medication education was the most prevalent item found in patient comprehensive medication reviews. The main facilitators for pharmacists’ successful participation in an ICU recovery clinic were incorporation into clinic workflow, support from other health care providers, and adequate space to see patients. The ICU recovery clinic pharmacists perceived the top barriers to be lack of dedicated time and inadequate billing for services. Conclusions: The ICU recovery clinic pharmacists address ICU survivors’ medication needs by providing direct patient care in the clinic. Strategies to mitigate pharmacists’ barriers to practicing in ICU recovery clinics, such as lack of dedicated time and adequate billing for pharmacist services, warrant a multifaceted solution, potentially including advocacy and policy work by national pharmacy professional organizations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 125 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.K.L. Chia

Early-stage hormone receptor–positive breast cancer is the most common subtype and stage presenting in countries with organized screening programs. Standard clinical and pathologic factors are routinely used to support prognosis and decisions about adjuvant therapies. Hormone receptor and her2 status are essential for decision-making about the use of adjuvant hormonal and anti-her2 therapies respectively. Genomic assays are now commercially available to aid in either further prognostication or in refining the potential benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. The current genomic assays all generally quantify estrogen receptor and proliferation gene sets (among others) by rna expression, although the specific genes assayed are quite discordant. The present review focuses on the pivotal studies in which each assay attempted to demonstrate clinical utility, with an emphasis on prospective trial data for each assay, if available. Using genomic assays, health care providers will increasingly be able to individualize therapy or de-escalate therapy, optimizing clinic benefit while minimizing toxicities from systemic therapies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 343-353
Author(s):  
Tara Kirk Sell ◽  
Sanjana J. Ravi ◽  
Crystal Watson ◽  
Diane Meyer ◽  
Laura E. Pechta ◽  
...  

Objectives The spread of Zika virus throughout Latin America and parts of the United States in 2016 and 2017 presented a challenge to public health communicators. The objective of our study was to describe emergency risk communication practices during the 2016-2017 Zika outbreak to inform future infectious disease communication efforts. Methods We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 13 public health policy makers and practitioners, 10 public information officers, and 5 vector-control officials from May through August 2017. Results Within the public health macro-environment, extended outbreak timeframe, government trust, US residence status, and economic insecurity set the backdrop for Zika communication efforts. Limited resources, staffing, and partnerships negatively affected public health structural capacity for communication efforts. Public health communicators and practitioners used a range of processes and practices to engage in education and outreach, including fieldwork, community meetings, and contact with health care providers. Overall, public health agencies’ primary goals were to prevent Zika infection, reduce transmission, and prevent adverse birth outcomes. Conclusions Lessons learned from this disease response included understanding the macro-environment, developing partnerships across agencies and the community, and valuing diverse message platforms. These lessons can be used to improve communication approaches for health officials at the local, state, and federal levels during future infectious disease outbreaks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oronzo Chialà ◽  
Ludovica Chiaretti ◽  
Antonio Ruggiero ◽  
Angelica Carnevale ◽  
Jacopo Fiorini ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The infection prevention and control (IPC) represents a global issue. In cardiac settings, it is a fundamental aspect, mostly in interventional procedures (PMK and valves implantation, angiography procedures), even if with different levels of incidence, mortality, and morbidity. Different guidelines and recommendations have been published to reduce complications related to cardiac procedures infections. Although there are several recommendations, the presence of specific protocols and the adherence to them in medical treatment facilities are controversial. The aim is to identify facilitators and barriers to IPC guidelines in health care providers of cardiac settings. Methods and results The research will be conducted in three phases: (1) an integrative review, to identify the main IPC recommendations related to the most common invasive procedures in cardiac interventional settings and the most cited facilitator and barriers; (2) the information collected by the review will help to conduct an explorative survey, involving health care providers from cardiac settings, to better understand what are the most helpful facilitators and the hardest barriers to face; and (3) a qualitative study, using explorative interviews will be held to analyze the experiences of health care providers in their professional action. Conclusions Generally, the adherence to IPC recommendations results difficult and time-consuming. For example, even if healthcare workers may value the use of IPC guidelines, such as wearing PPE, these are not always available, adequate for purpose, or comfortable. Identifying which factors could be considered facilitators or barriers will help authorities and healthcare facilities in developing effective strategies to support health care providers to undertake IPC measures.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lachmi R. Kodan ◽  
Kim J.C. Verschueren ◽  
Geertje E. Boerstra ◽  
Inder Gajadien ◽  
Robert S. Mohamed ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Maternal death surveillance and response (MDSR) is essential in preventing avoidable maternal deaths. The cycle starts by accurately capturing maternal deaths with a surveillance system, followed by an audit to give insight into the underlying causes and "lessons learned." Subsequently, recommendations are formulated and targeted multisectoral responses such as quality of care improvement strategies, including clinical guidelines update, health promotion interventions, research to fulfill knowledge gaps, enabling policies and legislation and interventions addressing social determinants. Finally, continuous evaluation and monitoring close the MDSR cycle. We aim to describe the MDSR implementation process in Suriname to share valuable lessons with other countries.Methods We provide an overview of the evolvement from improved maternal death surveillance, toward review, response, and monitoring to fulfill the MDSR cycle in Suriname. Findings Middle-income country Suriname called for many years for improved surveillance and review, and in 2000 the first action was commenced by extension of maternal death case capturing from death certificates to active hospital surveillance. Consequently, the maternal mortality ratio increased in the following years. However, not the full MDSR cycle was completed in 2015, and local health care providers initiated the next step of the MDSR cycle with the installation of a national maternal death review committee (MaMS). Since then, the committee reviews each maternal death applying the "no blame, no shame" culture, formulates, and disseminates recommendations. Collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), Bureau of Public Health (BOG), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) should ensure progress to the sustainable implementation of MDSR. Committee MaMS demonstrates that maternal death review and recommended high impact interventions can only be effectively implemented and sustained, through strong professional and government commitment and practical, solution-oriented responses. Conclusions Crucial elements for a successful MDSR implementation are Commitment, "no blame, no shame" Culture, Coordination, Collaboration, and Communication (5 C's).We hope that describing this process toward successful nationwide MDSR implementation, with its facilitators and barriers, is helpful for other countries with similar ambitions.


Author(s):  
Asif Hakim Brohi ◽  
Arsalan Hakim ◽  
Shafi Muhammad Wassan ◽  
Abdul Majeed Soomro ◽  
Wasim Sarwar Bhatti ◽  
...  

Objective: To determine factors that facilitate and are barriers to self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients visiting family medicine clinics at a tertiary care teaching hospital Karachi Pakistan. Methods: Approximately 255 patients were consecutively recruited from the clinics during April 2018 to May 2019 at Family Medicine outpatient clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Data on socio-demographic status, facilitators and barriers to SMBG were extracted through a questionnaire, after obtaining an informed written consent. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 19. Results: Among study participants 47.5% were above 50 years and 51.4% were males. About 30.2% of the participants were practicing SMBG at least once a month and 26% were practicing it daily. Fear of complications was the biggest facilitator (80.1%) and being expensive (51.4%) was barrier for SMBG. Over half of the SMBG practicing participants (59.7%) were diagnosed with diabetes for more than 05 years (p: 0.63). Conclusion: Assessment of blood glucose is a critical component of diabetes treatment and management. It can motivate patients to become active participants in their own care. Health care providers should communicate and educate the patients about the advantages of SMBG.


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