Family Perspectives on Student-Run Patient Navigator Program Addressing Disparities in Nutrition and Physical Activity Access: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The Family Lifestyle Program (FLiP) is a community-clinical collaborative and family-focused intervention addressing disparities in food access, nutrition education, and physical activity contributing to diet-related chronic disease. Families are referred to FLiP Navigators, a program where trained medical students serve as patient navigators (PNs), providing families with tailored local community resources. This study assesses families’ experience with FLiP Navigators to understand programmatic strengths, deficiencies, and resource utilization.

Design

A cross-sectional qualitative analysis of post-intervention telephone interviews.

Setting

Two pediatric clinics in less-resourced neighborhoods of Washington, DC.

Participants

Caregivers of children enrolled in FLiP Navigators.

Method

Semi-structured phone interviews explored caregivers’ experience with enrollment, telephone and virtual communication, and connection to community resources. Thematic analysis was performed on qualitative transcripts to identify themes. Interviews were collected until saturation was reached.

Results

Of 71 participants contacted, 24 participated. Thematic analysis revealed: (1) Positive experience with communications from FLiP PNs, (2) Resource provision fosters community connection and (3) Barriers to resource utilization. Participating caregivers universally reported positive experiences and recommended FLiP Navigators to others.

Conclusion

Caregivers found the enrollment process accessible, with medical students well-received as PNs. Benefits of resources provided extended beyond the child, to the family and community. Convenience sampling, however, may have favored caregivers with positive experiences or greater social stability. Elements of this program can inform patient navigator programs more broadly.

Keywords

food insecurity nutrition education child health physical activity social determinants of health medical education

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