Comparing models that integrate obstetric care and WIC on improved program enrollment during pregnancy: a protocol...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Low-income, rural pregnant women face higher risks for adverse pregnancy and future cardiovascular outcomes.
• Less than half of eligible women enroll in the Women, Infants, and Children's (WIC) Program.
• Existing healthcare models do not adequately integrate social care, such as nutrition assistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of integrating clinical care with social care services to advance health equity.
• To assess strategies for increasing enrollment in the WIC Program and access to Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) services among pregnant women.
• To reduce health disparities by directly linking obstetric care patients to nutrition support programs.

Main Methods:

• A pragmatic randomized controlled trial involving 240 low-income, rural pregnant patients.
• Four study arms: Clinic, Clinic-WIC, Clinic-RDN, and Clinic-WIC-RDN, utilizing electronic referrals.
• Primary outcome: WIC enrollment at 6 months; Secondary outcomes: WIC retention, behavioral changes, food security, and health outcomes.

Main Results:

• (Results not yet available as study is ongoing/recruiting)
• The study will provide data on the impact of integrated care models on WIC enrollment and retention.
• Implementation outcomes like acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility will be assessed from staff perspectives.

Conclusions:

• Findings will inform system models for integrating clinical and social care to improve health equity in high-risk populations.
• Study results will guide the implementation of strategies to increase participation in underutilized nutrition programs during pregnancy.
• This research aims to enhance maternal and child health through improved access to essential nutritional resources.