Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Food is Medicine Community Health Worker Program for Pregnant Women: Addressing Social Needs and Improving Health Outcomes
Christiana Care Health Services
Summary
The purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial of a food is medicine community health worker intervention called the Women's Health Delaware Food Farmacy compared to the usual standard of care among pregnant ChristianaCare patients at risk for adverse clinical outcomes. The pilot study has three specific aims: Aim 1: To assess the feasibility of the Women's Health Delaware Food Farmacy and refine the program as needed Aim 2: To determine the prevalence of and change in social needs Aim 3: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Women's Health Delaware Food Farmacy on maternal and child health, healthcare utilization, and clinical event outcomes as well as patient-reported outcomes compared to the usual standard of care
Description
This study is a pilot randomized controlled trial where eligible pregnant ChristianaCare patients will be identified weekly through an automated list, and patients who consent will be randomized to 1 of 2 arms (Women's Health Delaware Food Farmacy vs. usual standard of care). Participants randomized to the Women's Health Delaware Food Farmacy program arm will receive medically tailored groceries that are high in micronutrients critical for a healthy pregnancy. The food provided will be the equivalent of 10 meals per person in the household per week and will be delivered to participants weekly…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * ChristianaCare Women's Health patient * 18 years or older * 4 to 14 weeks pregnant * Singleton pregnancy * Medicaid * BMI of 30 or higher * Reside in New Castle County Exclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes * Multiple pregnancy * Currently enrolled in another Community Health Worker program * Not able to store and prepare meals * Diagnosed with severe medical comorbidities that might interfere with their ability to participate in the intervention, such as severe psychiatric illness or imminent hospitalization * Not able to understand and c…
Interventions
- OtherWomen's Health Delaware Food Farmacy
Participants will receive medically tailored groceries (10 meals per person in the household per week from enrollment to 4 weeks after delivery) high in micronutrients that are delivered to their homes weekly. They will also interact weekly with their assigned Community Health Worker to address social needs and patient-centered goals.
- OtherUsual Standard of Care
Participants will receive the usual standard of care.
Location
- ChristianaCare Christiana HospitalNewark, Delaware