The goal of this research program is to reduce health disparities by deploying an information-based intervention to increase caregiver utilization of community-based food supports and satisfaction with care among food insecure caregivers of hospitalized children. We will conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate, versus usual care, the effects of the CommunityRx-H intervention on caregiver use of food resources (primary), caregiver patient satisfaction with care (primary), caregiver mental health-related quality of life (secondary), and caregiver household food security (secondary). The proposed research will yield an understanding of how to leverage a child's hospitalization to effectively intervene on the problem of food insecurity. Findings will inform the rapidly growing field of healthcare-based interventions to address health-related social needs.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
CommunityRx-H has two components: (1) health-information technology (HIT) e-prescribing, and (2) a Community Resource Specialist (CRS). CommunityRx functions like an e-prescribing system: a HealtheRx "prescription" is automatically generated at the point of care. The HealtheRx provides referrals to food resources and federal nutrition assistance information tailored to the caregiver's address and proactive social support in the form of SMS-text message nudges from the CRS. Caregivers in the intervention arm are able to request information on resources not limited to food, including employment support, help paying rent or mortgage, etc. Nudges will promote caregiver self- and family management by increasing knowledge of and encouraging activation of community resources.
Change from baseline in use of food resources
Change in use of food resources will be measured using investigator-generated questions about use of the resources for self or others, sharing of information about the resources
Time frame: Baseline, 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days
Patient satisfaction with care
Patient satisfaction will be measured using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18)
Time frame: 7 days
Change from baseline in mental health-related quality of life
Mental health-related quality of life will be measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36
Time frame: Baseline, 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days
Change from baseline in household food insecurity
Household food insecurity will be measured using the 18-item Household Food Security Survey
Time frame: Baseline, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days
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