Food Insecurity Screening and Referral Implementation in Oncology Care: A Structured Project Plan
Overview
This paper presents a peer critique and discussion response evaluating a comprehensive project plan for implementing food insecurity screening and referral to Food is Medicine programs in oncology clinics at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The critique assesses the project's structured approach using EHR-embedded screening tools, the RE-AIM framework for evaluation, and identifies food insecurity as a critical modifiable social determinant affecting cancer treatment outcomes and survival rates.
What this coursework covers
- Project plan overview and evaluation of food insecurity screening implementation strategy
- Assessment of methodology using RE-AIM framework and risk management approaches
- Recommendations for patient navigation, follow-up processes, and sustainability measures
Preview
Week 9 Leading Innovation Project Implementation Steps, Innovation Vision, and Peer Critiques (Discussion Response)
Cynthia, your detailed project plan for implementing routine food insecurity screening and referral to a Food is Medicine (FIM) program in oncology clinics at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center is comprehensive, practical, and timely. Addressing food insecurity as a modifiable social determinant of health in cancer care is crucial, as it directly impacts treatment adherence, tolerance, and outcomes, patients with food insecurity often face higher risks of treatment interruptions and poorer survival (Raza et al., 2026). Your structured approach, including EHR-embedded validated screening tools, automated referrals, and closed-loop tracking via REDCap or EHR, aligns well with emerging evidence supporting integrated FIM models in oncology to improve nutrition access and equity.
The use of the RE-AIM framework for evaluation is particularly strong, as it provides a pragmatic way to assess reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation fidelity, and maintenance, key for demonstrating sustainability in busy oncology settings (Bhatia et al., 2025). Your phased rollout starting with high-volume pilot sites, multidisciplinary team composition, and focus on minimizing staff burden through workflow streamlining are excellent strategies to enhance feasibility and buy-in.
Risk management elements, such as addressing provider variability, patient stigma via universal screening, and capacity limitations through ongoing monitoring, reflect real-world barriers identified in healthcare-food bank partnerships, where successful referrals depend on clear communication, trust, and resource alignment (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, 2026).