Thomas B, et al. – This paper resolved to gauge the acceptability and feasibility of a food insecurity screening initiative within a diabetes care setting, in Toronto. It was revealed that a standardized, respectful method of assessing food insecurity assisted the health–care providers to support food–insecure patients with diabetes self–management. Ascertaining how food insecurity screening influenced patients' self–management and related health outcomes, was to be done via additional research.

Methods

• The design of this research was a systematic literature review.
• It involved the development of a food insecurity screening initiative to assist the health-care providers in customizing the diabetes management plans and in providing better support for the food-insecure patients with type 2 diabetes.
• Interviews with 10 patients and a focus group with 15 care providers yielded feedback on the relevance and acceptance of the food insecurity screening questions and a care algorithm.
• Subsequently, 5 care providers at 4 sites implemented the screening initiative over 2 weeks, screening 33 patients.
• Following the implementation, 7 patients and 5 care providers were interviewed to examine the acceptability and feasibility of the screening initiative.

Results

• The patients exhibited willingness to share their experiences of food insecurity, regardless of the sensitivity of this topic.
• Screening elicited information about how patients cope with food insecurity and how this influenced their ability to self-manage diabetes.
• This data was beneficial for the care providers in directing their care and support for patients.