Abstract

Objective: To implement a food insecurity (FI) screening process using the HVSTM for adults age 60 and older on an inpatient cardiac unit. The intent was to better understand the prevalence of FI, to evaluate current nutrition resource use, and to assess for any significant relationship between resource use and FI screening result among this specific patient population.

Methods: Screenings were administered by registered nurses on the cardiac unit to any adult age 60 or older admitted to the unit. Screening forms consisted of the two-item HVSTM and a third question screening for use of nutrition resources (SNAP, MOW, and/or Food Pantry). Positive screens were provided a list of local resources for nutrition assistance.

Results: a total of 41 screenings were completed. 4 of the 41 screenings were positive for food insecurity. Only one of the 4 utilized any nutrition resources. A total of 4 individuals (3 positive, 1 negative) utilized a nutrition resource.

Conclusion: Food insecurity prevalence may be higher among hospitalized older adults than the general population. Older adults are also less likely to use nutrition assistance resources for unknown reasons. Implementing routine screenings in an acute care setting could improve identification and subsequent intervention in food insecure older adults.

Claire Montoya

Author Details

Claire Montoya, DNP-FNP student

Sigma Membership

Theta Tau

Lead Author Affiliation

Nebraska Methodist College, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Type

DNP Capstone Project

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Food Insecurity, Nutrition Screening, Hunger Vital Sign, Cardiovascular Disease, Older Adults

Advisor

Anderson, Valerie

Degree

DNP

Degree Grantor

Nebraska Methodist College

Degree Year

2022

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Faculty Approved: Degree-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

Full Text of Presentation

wf_yes

Download

Share

COinS