P92 Using the PSE Readiness Assessment and Decision Instrument to Support Implementation of Community Nutrition Strategies in Ohio

Abstract

Objective Promote practitioners’ confidence to use and disseminate the PSE Readiness Assessment and Decision Instrument (PSE READI) to tailor PSE strategies to local contexts. Use of Theory or Research There is increasing attention within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) toward implementation of PSE strategies to improve dietary outcomes among low-income populations. Tools to adapt PSEs to local levels of readiness and capacity are needed. Target Audience SNAP-Ed and public health practitioners in Ohio. Program Description The PSE READI was designed to adapt implementation of four community nutrition PSEs: farmers’ markets, farm-to-school, healthy eating in childcare, healthy food retail. After completing the assessment, a tailored report is provided with three recommendations to guide local PSE implementation, which are linked to a resource library with > 1,000 tools/guides. The tool was tested for usability and first disseminated via a day-long interactive training focused on supporting others use of the tool to assess, plan, and act to optimize PSE implementation in targeted areas. Evaluation Methods Pre- and post-survey design without randomization was used to test confidence in practitioners’ ability to support and train others to use the PSE READI. Results Practitioners (N = 23) doing work in 60 Ohio counties participated in the PSE READI training. One-third reported PSE implementation is related to their current work plan; 41% supported others conducting PSEs. Confidence to support colleagues’ implementation of PSEs (extremely/very confident: pre-35%, post-70%) and train colleagues to use the PSE READI tool (pre-10%, Post-70%) increased substantially after the training. The majority (87%) planned to use the PSE READI tool in the next three months. Post-training, practitioners reported they were “better equipped,” “more informed,” and “inspired.” Conclusions The PSE READI tool provides a feasible and efficient method to tailor PSE implementation to the realities of diverse communities. The tool and training were well-received by SNAP-Ed and public health practitioners resulting in an increase in practitioner confidence to support implementation of community nutrition PSEs.