(P02-064-25) Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing a Produce Prescription Program Within a Healthcare System in Georgia: Perspectives From Healthcare Providers, Residents and Staff

Objectives: To understand facilitators and barriers to implementing a produce prescription (PRx) program from the perspective of healthcare providers (HCPs), residents, and clinic staff.

Methods: In collaboration with 3 diverse primary care clinics within a healthcare system in Atlanta, Georgia, we recruited HCPs, residents, and staff for 1-hour focus group discussions (FGDs) guided by the preparation phase of the Exploration Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Seven FGDs were conducted, each with 6-8 participants: 3 with HCPs, 1 with residents, and 3 with staff. FGDs explored facilitators and barriers to implementing a PRx program in each clinic, focusing on individual and organizational characteristics, organizational staffing processes, leadership, and quality monitoring constructs in the inner context of the EPIS framework. FGDs were transcribed verbatim by a professional transcription company. Data were analyzed using a team-based rapid qualitative analytic approach.

Results: FGD participants varied in clinical roles (e.g., physician, nurse, administrative) and years of professional experience. Individual characteristics: HCPs were eager to engage with PRx programs, feeling limited in resources to assist patients with nutrition and food security. Organizational characteristics: Participants at all clinics stressed minimizing additional workload on HCPs and staff who already have high time demands (e.g., by hiring registered dieticians, social workers, and a coordinator, aligning the program with existing workflows, and integrating program data into existing electronic health records). Organizational staffing processes: Clinics emphasized regular training to ensure quality program delivery and consistent engagement. Leadership: Clinics cited leadership buy-in and support as critical to long-term program sustainability. Quality monitoring: Participants described the need for metrics for program evaluation aligning with clinic and leadership goals.

Conclusions: Results show interest in implementing PRx programs in primary care clinics. Addressing organizational-level barriers is key to successful implementation. Findings will aid in implementing a PRx program in Atlanta and can help guide similar initiatives in other healthcare settings.

Funding Sources: GCDTR Pilot and Feasibility Grant