201 - Family perspectives on a novel student-run patient navigator program addressing disparities in nutrition and physical activity access: a qualitative analysis.

Poster Number: 201
Publication Number: 201.1507

Background: Food insecurity contributes to diet-related chronic disease, and the Family Lifestyle Program (FLiP) aims to address disparities in access to nutrition and physical activity. Families in the Washington, D.C.-area are referred to FLiP through two pediatric clinics, and medical students receive trauma-informed training on resource navigation and food insecurity. Trained students serve as patient navigators, providing families with local nutrition and physical activity resources tailored to families’ goals.

Objective: This qualitative analysis seeks to understand families’ experiences with FLiP in order to assess programmatic strengths and deficiencies, as well as family experiences with resource utilization.

Design/Methods: In this ongoing study, semi-structured interviews and demographic surveys were conducted with parents or guardians who had participated in FLiP 1-3 months prior. Interviews focused on families’ experience with enrollment and connection to provided community resources. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using Dedoose software. 3 authors reviewed initial 5 transcripts and shared consensus findings to develop a code book, after which 2 authors independently coded all interviews. Thematic analysis was performed to identify overarching themes, and interviews were collected until saturation was reached.

Results: 18 participants completed all required elements to date. Demographic data is in Table 1. Preliminary themes cluster into 2 categories: 1) Parent Enrollment Experiences and 2) Resource Utilization. In category (1) emerging sub-themes include a) parent gratitude for respectful navigator communication, b) families referenced written resource lists via digital communications at later date, and c) families enrolled to improve collective health. Under category (2), sub-themes include a) perceptions of increased community connection, b) families value inclusive and shared experiences, and c) external factors limit resource utilization. Participating families universally reported positive experiences with FLiP and recommended the program to others.

Conclusion(s): Preliminary results suggest that families enrolled in FLiP find the enrollment process accessible and effective, with medical students well-received as patient navigators. Students’ trauma-informed training may inform families’ positive experiences, and resource preferences can be utilized for future resource navigation. Future studies should explore persistent barriers to access and needs for non-English speaking families. Elements of this program may serve as a model for patient navigator programs more broadly.