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Open Access 23-01-2023 | Nutrition | Original Article

Long-term support referrals to enhance food security and well-being in older adults: Texas physicians and nurses on what works

Authors: Nandita Chaudhuri, Laila Hussain Alvi, Ashleigh Williams

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 3/2024

Abstract

Aim

Senior participation in the congregate meal programs (CMPs) has alarmingly declined over the past decade in Texas as elsewhere in the nation. The purpose of this survey study was to identify the possible reasons for this decline from the viewpoint of the Texas physicians and nurses who are key in coordinating care and ensuring food security for the vulnerable older Texans by referring them to community-based long-term support services (LTSS).

Subject and methods

The methodology adopted was an online panel survey of physicians and nurses from rural and urban Texas counties. Structured multiple-choice and open-ended questions primarily focused on provider referral processes, reasons for connecting older clients to CMPs, perceptions about various aspects of these programs, possible reasons for the decline in participation, suggestions to make the programs an integral part of the community-based LTSS referral system, and how to address the COVID-19 pandemic constraints on the programs.

Results

As a majority of the healthcare providers surveyed were unaware of the CMPs in their communities, the study spotlighted an urgent need for a better-coordinated referral process centered on strategic marketing and awareness-building about the CMPs, including an extensive healthcare provider education component as well as an overall improvement in meal quality and variety.

Conclusion

The study highlights a need for additional research so decision-makers better understand how to best disseminate information to healthcare providers to improve the referral mechanisms, increase the referrals, and enhance the overall CMP program quality to benefit the vulnerable food-insecure older adults.

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Title: Long-term support referrals to enhance food security and well-being in older adults: Texas physicians and nurses on what works
Authors: Nandita Chaudhuri
Laila Hussain Alvi
Ashleigh Williams
Publication date: 23-01-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Nutrition
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01800-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Long-term support referrals to enhance food security and well-being in older adults: Texas physicians and nurses on what works

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

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