Strengthening Care Through Food Is Medicine: Healthcare Provider-Patient Relationships and Provider Fulfillment in a...

Produce prescription programs (PPRs) are evidence-based strategies increasingly used to address food insecurity and prevent or manage diet-related chronic disease. Fresh to Flourish is a PPR implemented in 2 Colorado-based practices within the CommonSpirit Health system. This qualitative study explored: (1) how implementing Fresh to Flourish impacts provider-patient relationships, and (2) the fulfillment experience of PPR referral providers.

Virtual 1:1 key informant interviews were conducted with healthcare providers. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently double coded using a deductive codebook aligned with the 7 constructs of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions.

Ten interviews were completed across 1 rural and 1 suburban Colorado practices. Four themes emerged: (1) providers perceived Fresh to Flourish as valuable to patient care; (2) discussions about financial strain and food insecurity prompted referrals; (3) providers appreciated the simple referral process and on-site program staff; and (4) providers shared insights about integrating Fresh to Flourish into clinical workflow and systems.

As aligned with the supporting theory, providers demonstrated high affective attitude, ethical alignment, and perceived effectiveness of Fresh to Flourish, with minimal burden and strong self-efficacy. Overall, providers viewed Fresh to Flourish as impactful while emphasizing the need to expand access and reduce barriers.