Abstract

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of reviewing the abstract content, attendees will be able to evaluate VeggieRx’s benefits, understand data analysis methods, and recognize best-practices for utilizing electronic health data in program assessment.

Background

Produce prescription programs are becoming popular across the U.S., as health care providers and dietitians work together to provide healthy food, resources, and education to individuals with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and at-risk pregnant mothers. Since 2021, our USDA GusNIP-funded program has provided these services to food insecure patients with these conditions. As this program exists within a health care system, we have unique access to health outcome data.

Method

Our program used a baseline design wherein participants’ (n = 162) health metrics (i.e., HbA1c and blood pressure) and healthcare utilization were compared for six-months before and after their participation in VeggieRx. Collaboratively, we merged, synced, and analyzed data across internal program logs, the electronic health record, and public insurance data (provided through FSSA).

Results

Data extraction and synthesis was extensive and required the clinical program team, business intelligence and data teams. VeggieRx showed significant health improvements, including clinically significant decrease of 0.93% in HbA1c levels within six months and reduction in diastolic blood pressure (diastolic down by 5 mmHg) based on an extended period spanning 5 years. Healthcare utilization of hospitalizations, readmissions, and emergency department visits, and healthcare costs, all decreased substantially (26%, 100%, 27%, and 30% respectively).

Conclusion

The VeggieRx program demonstrated substantial reductions in healthcare utilization and cost. This type of health outcome and healthcare utilization data contained in electronic health systems are accessible but difficult to extract, synthesize, and transform into digestible reports; however, this data holds the evidence for wide-scale adoption.

Funding Source

USDA GusNIP Funding Award Number 2021-70030-35744 USDA GusNIP Funding Award Number 2022-70423-38070 Indiana State Department of Health - Produce Prescription Planning Fair Food Network Building Capacity and Innovation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2024

Publication Title

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Diatetics

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