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WIC staff and healthcare professional perceptions of an EHR intervention to facilitate referrals to and improve communication and coordination with WIC: A qualitative study
- Source :
- Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, Vol 8 (2024)
- Publication Year :
- 2024
- Publisher :
- Cambridge University Press, 2024.
-
Abstract
- Abstract Objectives: Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has numerous benefits, yet many eligible children remain unenrolled. This qualitative study sought to explore perceptions of a novel electronic health record (EHR) intervention to facilitate referrals to WIC and improve communication/coordination between WIC staff and healthcare professionals. Methods: WIC staff in three counties were provided EHR access and recruited to participate. An automated, EHR-embedded WIC participation screening and referral tool was implemented within 8 healthcare clinics; healthcare professionals within these clinics were eligible to participate. The interview guide was developed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to elicit perceptions of this novel EHR-based intervention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight WIC staff, seven pediatricians, four medical assistants, and one registered nurse. Most participants self-identified as female (95%) and White (55%). We identified four primary themes: (1) healthcare professionals had a positive view of WIC but communication and coordination between WIC and healthcare professionals was limited prior to WIC having EHR access; (2) healthcare professionals favored WIC screening using the EHR but workflow challenges existed; (3) EHR connections between WIC and the healthcare system can streamline referrals to and enrollment in WIC; and (4) WIC staff and healthcare professionals recommended that WIC have EHR access. Conclusions: A novel EHR-based intervention has potential to facilitate healthcare referrals to WIC and improve communication/coordination between WIC and healthcare systems.
- Subjects :
- Electronic health record
food insecurity
primary care
pediatrics
WIC
Medicine
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20598661
- Volume :
- 8
- Database :
- Directory of Open Access Journals
- Journal :
- Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsdoj.55ce3f8b3a7f4fc3b7cc4a6ed3f33a61
- Document Type :
- article
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2024.488