Healthcare provider perceptions of a pediatric fruit and vegetable prescription program: a qualitative study

Top Things to Know

PRx interventions can enhance preventive pediatric care when designed for workflow integration.

Clinicians perceived the FVPP as an incentive that improved visit attendance and strengthened ongoing relationships between families and their medical home.

Infrastructure and partnerships (cross-sector partnerships) are critical for scaling FIM programs.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This qualitative study explored healthcare provider and clinic staff perceptions of a prevention-focused pediatric fruit and vegetable prescription program (FVPP) implemented across four primary care clinics in Flint, Michigan. Through eight focus groups with 40 participants, providers consistently described the FVPP as easy to implement, well integrated into clinic workflow, and aligned with pediatric preventive care goals. Participants perceived multiple downstream benefits, including improved appointment attendance (reduced no-show rates), enhanced opportunities for nutrition counseling, and greater ability to address food and nutrition insecurity. Providers also reported that the program strengthened patient–family engagement and helped position the clinic as a trusted “medical home,” potentially reducing reliance on urgent and emergency care. Key challenges included reliance on a community-based organization (CBO) for program management and evaluation, logistical barriers related to paper prescriptions, and patient difficulties redeeming prescriptions due to transportation and limited farmers’ market hours. Overall, clinicians viewed the FVPP as a valuable, scalable FIM intervention, while emphasizing the need for improved communication, digital delivery, and expanded retail redemption options.