| Description |
Background: Obesity is a prevalent and complex health condition that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including those experiencing poverty, food insecurity, and low health literacy. In Salt Lake County, 64.4% of adults have a body mass index (BMI) consistent with obesity, with rates expected to continue rising. The health consequences of obesity, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased healthcare costs, further compound challenges faced by underserved populations. Evidence suggests that patient-centered resources, such as educational toolkits, can support patients in managing their weight and working to improve social determinants of health (SDoH). Local Problem: In Salt Lake County, 7.7% of the population lives in poverty, and one in ten households experiences food insecurity (Public Health Indicator Based Information System [PHIBIS], 2024b). These conditions are exacerbated by limited access to nutrition resources and health education, particularly among populations with low health literacy. Within a comprehensive weight management clinic in the county, healthcare providers identified a gap in resources available to address these challenges and support vulnerable patients in achieving sustainable weight management. Methods: This quality improvement project followed the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model to develop and implement a toolkit for vulnerable populations seen at a comprehensive weight management clinic. A pre-implementation survey was conducted among providers and registered dietitians to assess current practices and resource availability. Based on the findings, a patient toolkit was developed, introduced to providers, and refined based on stakeholder feedback. The final toolkit was distributed to patients during clinic visits, with weekly distribution tracking and a post-implementation survey assessing usability, feasibility, and provider satisfaction. Interventions: The intervention involved a multi-phase process, including provider engagement, toolkit development, and distribution within the clinic. Toolkit content included nutrition information, savvy shopping tips, affordable meal planning, and access to community food resources. Healthcare providers and dietitians were encouraged to distribute the toolkit during patient visits and provide feedback for continuous improvement. Results: Nine providers and registered dietitians participated, with five completing the postimplementation survey. Two providers actively distributed the toolkit, providing eight toolkits to patients during the study period. The post-implementation survey revealed a mean System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 72.5, indicating moderate usability. Both providers who distributed the toolkit reported it was easy to use, feasible for integration into clinical practice, and beneficial for patient education. Additionally, all participants expressed interest in continuing toolkit use. Conclusion: Implementing the vulnerable patient nutrition toolkit addressed gaps in nutrition education and resource access for underserved populations in Salt Lake County. Implementation of the toolkit demonstrated high usability, feasibility, and provider satisfaction while requiring minimal resources for ongoing use. The project highlights the toolkit's potential for sustainable integration into clinical practice and expansion to other healthcare settings. Future initiatives should focus on increasing provider engagement, expanding distribution, and evaluating patient-centered outcomes over a longer implementation period. |
