Telehealth and food insecurity screenings: challenges and lessons learned

The Northwest AHEC Practice Support Team supports social, physical, and economic environments which promote attaining the full potential of health and well-being for all. This blog segment highlights impactful publications which promote improved health outcomes through Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) each month.

This month's featured article discusses the challenges and lessons learned regarding the screening of food insecurity in healthcare settings.  It also highlighted the importance of effective communication and empathy in telehealth interactions to ensure that patients are comfortable discussing sensitive issues like food insecurity.  

It was suggested to explore various methods of screening, such as electronic questionnaires and face-to-face discussions, to determine the effectiveness of their patients. 

Telehealth and food insecurity screenings: challenges and lessons learned. Bernhardt C, King C. Mhealth. 2022 Jan 20;8:10. doi: 10.21037/mhealth-21-31. PMID: 35178441; PMCID: PMC8800207.