In SPIRIT

This module, VENA Contact in SPIRIT, is part of the WIC SPIRIT Readiness training series. The series is designed to be an overview of major changes in the Arkansas WIC Program and to prepare WIC staff for further training in regards to SPIRIT, the new Management Information System.

The series includes VENA, the Value Enhanced Nutrition Assessment initiative, the WIC food packages and nutrition risk factors.

Objective By the end of this module, the learner will be able to describe the procedure for completing a VENA contact in the SPIRIT management information system.

VENA Contact In SPIRIT, the process of collecting relevant information and assigning applicable nutrition risk factors is called a VENA Contact.

VENA Contact The VENA Contact is performed by using specific dietary and health questions – also known as VENA questions. Specific VENA questions have been developed for each participant type and are used as part of the value enhanced nutrition assessment process. Click here to access and print the VENA questions for all participant types. Important Note: To return to the PowerPoint module, click on the back arrow in the upper left hand side of the screen.here

VENA Questions The VENA questions were developed using the health outcome-based approach to nutrition assessment. The health outcome-based approach uses participant-specific desired health outcomes and health determinants to collect relevant information. Click here to access and print the health outcome based assessment models for all WIC participant types. Important Note: To return to the PowerPoint module, click on the back arrow in the upper left hand side of the screen.here

The VENA process focuses on client –centered services: -personalized nutrition education - referrals, and -food package tailoring. Because of these more “personalized” services, not all VENA questions may need to be asked – the CPA should use critical thinking skills to make this determination.

The next slides will assist you in becoming familiar with: where to find VENA in SPIRIT, and how to complete a VENA Contact.

The VENA contact section is located in the Certification Guided Script which is in the Participant Folder. The VENA contact section and contains VENA questions for the participant type being certified: Pregnant Woman Breastfeeding Woman Non-Breastfeeding Postpartum Woman Infant Child

Certification Guided Script Access the Certification Guided Script by clicking the “Certification” icon in the Participant Folder.

VENA The VENA contact section is found in the Certification Guided Script of the Participant Folder.

VENA Click “VENA” to open the VENA contact section.

VENA Contact To start a VENA contact click “Add Contact”

VENA Questions VENA questions appear one at a time. You will see that applicable risk factor numbers are in parentheses at the end of each question.

VENA Questions Tab to the “Answer” section to type answers directly into the screen field. You will see that “None” is the default answer.

VENA Questions Type answers in the “Answer” screen field or type “N/A” if the question does not apply.

VENA Questions Risk Factors are assigned by the CPA based on assessment of the answers given. Click “Add” for the list of available Risk Factors to appear.

Risk Factors can be assigned with each question. Risk Factors

Scroll through the Risk Factors to highlight those Risk Factors that are applicable. When all applicable Risk Factors have been selected, click “OK” VENA Contact

Continue advancing through the questions by clicking on “Next.” Use the same procedure as previously discussed for assigning applicable Risk Factors

VENA Contact Click “Finish” when the last question has been answered, and all applicable Risk Factors are assigned.

VENA Contact A “summary” screen appears next. The VENA Contact date, the VENA questions & answers and the applicable Risk Factors assigned from the VENA Contact are seen.

VENA Contact The VENA Contact can be edited by clicking “Edit Contact.”

VENA Contact The VENA Contact can be deleted by clicking “Delete Contact.” You will receive more detailed information on editing and deleting a VENA Contact during your User Acceptance Training.

When final review of the VENA Contact is completed click “Close”. VENA Contact

The screen will then return to the Certification Guided Script with VENA checked off with a red check. VENA Contact

VENA Counseling Guidance Tools In addition to the VENA questions, VENA Counseling Guidance Tools have been developed to assist the CPA in collecting information and providing nutrition information. These tools include the VENA questions with additional probing questions, the rationale for the question, and talking points to assist the CPA. Click here to access and print the VENA Counseling Guidance Tools for all participant types. Important Note: To return to the PowerPoint module, click on the back arrow in the upper left hand side of the screen.here

This module is intended as a brief overview of how to complete a VENA contact in SPIRIT. Additional training with hands on experience will be provided to CPAs as SPIRIT is implemented in each Local Health Unit across the State.