Comparison of Caregiver and Provider Food Insecurity Screening Preferences Within a Health System

Abstract

Food insecurity is a public health concern associated with poor health. Evidence guiding how to best implement screening for food insecurity across a pediatric health care system is lacking. We performed a single-center, multi-department, cross-sectional study of caregivers and health care providers in outpatient and inpatient settings to describe the beliefs, barriers, preferences, and preferred food insecurity screening location. Most providers and caregivers underestimated the pervasiveness of food insecurity while acknowledging the benefit of screening. Caregivers are overall receptive to food insecurity screening and disagree with feelings of discomfort or shame when disclosing food insecurity status. Providers acknowledged perceived caregiver discomfort, lack of community food resources, and lack of a validated screening tool as barriers to screening. Both caregivers and providers identified the primary care setting as the preferred screening setting.

Examining food insecurity in a regional New Zealand emergency department: A cross‐sectional study

“…Most participants agreed that discussing FI during their medical encounter could benefit their health, although those who were experiencing FI did report more discomfort with the process. 22 Cullen et al showed that compared to verbal screening, patients screened by tablets had higher reported rates of FI and greater satisfaction with the process. 8 A successful screening process would need to be sensitive to potential feelings of shame among patients who are food insecure, ensuring patient privacy is protected at all times.…”