Abstract
BACKGROUND: Food insecurity (FI) is the most common health-related social need (HRSN) and is frequently identified in primary care through screening and referral. However, health care workers often do not have the knowledge, motivation, capability, or opportunity necessary to discuss FI with patients in patient-centered ways. METHODS: An educational module for health care workers on FI was created using user-centered design and tested with health care workers, using the COM-B model as an evaluation framework. RESULTS: Watching the module's video increased participant knowledge, capability, and motivation to address FI with patients. DISCUSSION: This preliminary pilot study suggests that simple training modules could help with the effectiveness of efforts to address HRSNs, such as FI, by increasing health care workers' capacity to discuss, screen, and refer patients. Findings warrant expanded studies to assess the effectiveness of such modules on patient-level outcomes. CONCLUSION: This type of educational module on FI or other HRSNs holds promise as a time- and cost-efficient strategy for improving screening and referral processes, ultimately alleviating FI for more patients and improving health outcomes.