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Kincaid H, Coyne CA, Hamadani R, Friel T. Validation of three health literacy screening questions compared with S-TOFHLA in a low-income diverse English- and Spanish-Speaking population. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:383-391. [PMID: 38609184 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians need a tool to gauge patients' ability to understand health conditions and treatment options. The Short-form Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA) is the gold standard for this, but its length is prohibitive for use in clinical settings. This study seeks to validate a novel three-item question set for predicting health literacy. METHODS This cross-sectional study utilized an in-person questionnaire alongside the S-TOFHLA. The sample included 2027 English- and Spanish-speaking adults (≥18 years) recruited from primary care practices serving a low-income eastern Pennsylvania community. Most patients (57.7%) identified as Hispanic. Diagnostic accuracy of each question and aggregated scores were assessed against the validated survey by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. RESULTS Questions in the 'Problems Learning' and 'Help Reading' domains (AUROC 0.66 for each) performed better than the 'Confident Forms' question (AUROC 0.64). Summing all three scores resulted in an even higher AUROC curve (0.71). Cronbach's alpha of the combined items was 0.696. CONCLUSIONS Study results suggest that any of the three questions are viable options for screening health literacy levels of diverse patients in primary care clinical settings. However, they perform better as a summed score than when used individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Kincaid
- Network Office of Research and Innovation, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA 18103, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620 USA
| | - Cathy A Coyne
- Department of Nursing and Public Health, Moravian University, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA
| | - Roya Hamadani
- Department of Family Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA 18101, USA
| | - Timothy Friel
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620 USA
- Department of Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA 18102, USA
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Drake C, Alfaro JM, Rader A, Maciejewski ML, Lee MS, Xu H, Wilson LE, Berkowitz SA, Eisenson H. Association of Patient-Reported Social Needs with Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations Among Federally Qualified Health Center Patients. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:2069-2078. [PMID: 38717665 PMCID: PMC11306909 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08774-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care systems are increasingly screening for unmet social needs. The association between patient-reported social needs and health care utilization is not well understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between patient-reported social needs, measured by the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients' Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE), and inpatient and emergency department (ED) utilization. DESIGN This cohort study analyzed merged 2017-2019 electronic health record (EHR) data across multiple health systems. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients from a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in central North Carolina who completed PRAPARE as part of a primary care visit with behavioral health services. MAIN MEASURES The count of up to 12 unmet social needs, aggregated as 0, 1, 2, or 3 + . Outcomes include the probability of an ED visit and hospitalization 12 months after PRAPARE assessment, modeled by logistic regressions controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, comorbidity burden, being uninsured, and prior utilization in the past 12 months. KEY RESULTS The study population consisted of 1924 adults (38.7% male, 50.1% Black, 36.3% Hispanic, 55.9% unemployed, 68.2% of patients reported 1 + needs). Those with more needs were younger, more likely to be unemployed, and experienced greater comorbidity burden. 35.3% of patients had ED visit(s) and 36.3% had hospitalization(s) 1 year after PRAPARE assessment. In adjusted analysis, having 3 + needs was associated with a percentage point increase in the predicted probability of hospitalization (average marginal effect 0.06, SE 0.03, p < 0.05) compared with having 0 needs. Similarly, having 2 needs (0.07, SE 0.03, p < 0.05) or 3 + needs (0.06, SE 0.03, p < 0.05) was associated with increased probability of ED visits compared to 0 needs. CONCLUSIONS Patient-reported social needs were common and associated with health care utilization patterns. Future research should identify interventions to address unmet social needs to improve health and avoid potentially preventable escalating medical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Drake
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Jorge Morales Alfaro
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy, Durham, NC, USA
- UC Berkeley School of Public Health, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Abigail Rader
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Matthew L Maciejewski
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael S Lee
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hanzhang Xu
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lauren E Wilson
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Seth A Berkowitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Howard Eisenson
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC Box 2914, Durham, NC, USA
- Lincoln Community Health Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Meltzer K, Yang M, Rossmann A, Kinsey EW, Cronholm PF, Morgan AU. Patient-Portal Compared with Supplemental In-Office Tablet Screening for Health-Related Social Needs in Primary Care. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08929-x. [PMID: 38981941 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) has become more widespread but the best method of delivering the screening tool is not yet known. OBJECTIVE Describe HRSN screening completion rate, specifically portal-based and in-person tablet-based screening. DESIGN Cross-sectional retrospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS Adults age 18 or older who had a non-acute primary care visit at one of three internal medicine primary care clinics at a large, urban, academic medical center between July 2022 and July 2023. MAIN MEASURES We identified the proportion of individuals who were screened using the HRSN questionnaire, whether screening was completed by patient-portal or tablet, as well as the degree of burden of HRSN. Using the electronic health record, we explored associations between sociodemographic characteristics and HRSN attributes. KEY RESULTS Our study included 24,597 patients, of whom 37% completed the HRSN questionnaire. A smaller proportion of Black/African American patients and those with Medicaid insurance completed the questionnaire, yet they comprised a greater percentage of those who screened positive for unmet HRSN (p ≤ 0.001). Most patients completed the questionnaire by patient-portal (86.1%) compared with in-office tablets (14.0%). A larger proportion of those who completed screening by tablet screened positive for HRSN. Of all patients screened, 21.8% were positive for an unmet HRSN and 11.5% had more than one unmet HRSN. CONCLUSIONS A majority of patients are not being screened for HRSN and results illustrate disparities when screening patients for HRSN through portal-based compared with supplemental in-office tablet-based screening. Prevalence of unmet HRSN varied by demographics such as race and insurance status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Meltzer
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Max Yang
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alice Rossmann
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eliza W Kinsey
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter F Cronholm
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Public Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna U Morgan
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Lemon SC, LeClair AM, Christenson E, Amburgey D, FitzGerald M, Cabral H, Lloyd-Travaglini C, Clark CR, Wang FQ, Ross J, Ohrenberger E, Haas JS, Freund KN, Battaglia TA. Implementation of social needs screening for minoritized patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer: a mixed methods evaluation in a pragmatic patient navigation trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:783. [PMID: 38982469 PMCID: PMC11234663 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11213-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social needs inhibit receipt of timely medical care. Social needs screening is a vital part of comprehensive cancer care, and patient navigators are well-positioned to screen for and address social needs. This mixed methods project describes social needs screening implementation in a prospective pragmatic patient navigation intervention trial for minoritized women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. METHODS Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) was conducted at five cancer care sites in Boston, MA from 2018 to 2022. The patient navigation intervention protocol included completion of a social needs screening survey covering 9 domains (e.g., food, transportation) within 90 days of intake. We estimated the proportion of patients who received a social needs screening within 90 days of navigation intake. A multivariable log binomial regression model estimated the adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of patient socio-demographic characteristics and screening delivery. Key informant interviews with navigators (n = 8) and patients (n = 21) assessed screening acceptability and factors that facilitate and impede implementation. Using a convergent, parallel mixed methods approach, findings from each data source were integrated to interpret study results. RESULTS Patients' (n = 588) mean age was 59 (SD = 13); 45% were non-Hispanic Black and 27% were Hispanic. Sixty-nine percent of patients in the navigators' caseloads received social needs screening. Patients of non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (aRR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.06-1.48) and those with Medicare insurance (aRR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.04-1.23) were more likely to be screened. Screening was universally acceptable to navigators and generally acceptable to patients. Systems-based supports for improving implementation were identified. CONCLUSIONS Social needs screening was acceptable, yet with modest implementation. Continued systems-based efforts to integrate social needs screening in medical care are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephenie C Lemon
- Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Howard Cabral
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Joellen Ross
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Cordova-Ramos EG, Burke J, Sileo N, McGean M, Torrice V, Mantri S, Parker MG, Drainoni ML. "We Don't Want to Screen for the Sake of Screening": A Qualitative Evaluation of a Social Needs Screening and Referral Intervention in the NICU. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs 2024; 38:271-279. [PMID: 37773583 PMCID: PMC10972769 DOI: 10.1097/jpn.0000000000000766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low uptake of social determinants of health (SDH) screening and referral interventions within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is partly due to limited understanding of the best procedures to integrate this practice into routine clinical workflows. PURPOSE To examine the feasibility and acceptability of an SDH screening and referral intervention in the NICU from the perspective of neonatal nurses; and to identify factors affecting implementation outcomes. METHODS We conducted 25 semistructured interviews with NICU nurses. We used the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) framework to guide interview questions and codebook development for directed content analysis. Themes were mapped onto the 3 PARiHS domains of context, evidence, and facilitation. FINDINGS Analysis yielded 8 themes. Context : Nurses felt that stressors experienced by NICU families are magnified in a safety net environment. Nurses shared varying viewpoints of the roles and responsibilities for social care in the NICU, and feared that scarcity of community resources would make it difficult to address families' needs. Evidence : The intervention was perceived to increase identification of adverse SDH and provision of resources; and to potentially jump-start better caregiver and infant health trajectories. Facilitation : Procedures that improved acceptability included dynamic training and champion support, regular feedback on intervention outcomes, and strategies to reduce stigma and bias. CONCLUSION We identified contextual factors, concrete messaging, and training procedures that may inform implementation of SDH screening and referral in NICU settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika G. Cordova-Ramos
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston, MA
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences (CIIS), Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Judith Burke
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston, MA
| | - Nicole Sileo
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Maggie McGean
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Vanessa Torrice
- Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Department of Pediatrics, Bronx, NY
| | - Saaz Mantri
- Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | | | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Evans Center for Implementation and Improvement Sciences (CIIS), Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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McCarthy MM, Del Giudice I, Wong A, Fletcher J, Dickson VV, D'Eramo Melkus G. Cardiovascular Health in Black and Latino Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. Nurs Res 2024; 73:270-277. [PMID: 38498851 PMCID: PMC11192611 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among U.S. adults has been rising annually, with a higher incidence rate in Black and Hispanic adults than in Whites. The American Heart Association (AHA) has defined cardiovascular health according to the achievement of seven health behaviors (smoking, body mass index [BMI], physical activity, diet) and health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose). Optimal cardiovascular health has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and awareness of this risk may influence healthy behaviors. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess cardiovascular health in a sample of Black and Hispanic adults (age: 18-40 years) with T2DM and explore the barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management and cardiovascular health. METHODS This was an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The study staff recruited adults with T2DM for the quantitative data followed by qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants using maximum variation sampling. The seven indices of cardiovascular health as defined by the AHA's "Life's Simple 7" were assessed: health behaviors (smoking, BMI, physical activity, diet) and health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, A1C). Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore their results as well as the effects of the pandemic on diabetes self-management. Qualitative and quantitative data were integrated into the final analysis phase. RESULTS The majority of the sample was female, with 63% identifying as Black and 47% as Hispanic. The factor with the lowest achievement of ideal levels was BMI, followed by a healthy diet. Less than half achieved ideal levels of blood pressure or physical activity. Themes that emerged from the qualitative data included the impact of social support, the effects of the pandemic on their lives, and educating themselves about T2DM. DISCUSSION Achievement of ideal cardiovascular health factors varied, but the achievement of several health factors may be interrelated. Intervening on even one factor while providing social support may improve other areas of cardiovascular health in this population.
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Colon M, Goodman JM. Screening tools for employment in clinical healthcare delivery systems: a content analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:720. [PMID: 38862954 PMCID: PMC11167741 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10976-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between work and health is complex and bidirectional, where work can have both health-harming and health-enhancing effects. Though employment is recognized as a social determinant of health, and clinical healthcare delivery systems are increasingly using screening tools to ask patients about social needs, little research has explored the extent to which employment-related social risk is captured in these screening tools. This study aimed to identify and characterize employment- and work-related questions in social risk screening tools that have been implemented in clinical healthcare delivery systems. METHODS We conducted a qualitative content analysis of employment-related items in screening tools that have been implemented in clinical healthcare service delivery systems. Three content areas guided data extraction and analysis: Setting, Domain, and Level of Contextualization. RESULTS Screening tools that asked employment-related questions were implemented in settings that were diverse in the populations served and the scope of care provided. The intent of employment-related items focused on four domains: Social Risk Factor, Social Need, Employment Exposure, and Legal Need. Most questions were found to have a low Level of Contextualization and were largely focused on identifying an individual's employment status. CONCLUSIONS Several existing screening tools include measures of employment-related social risk, but these items do not have a clear purpose and range widely depending on the setting in which they are implemented. In order to maximize the utility of these tools, clinical healthcare delivery systems should carefully consider what domain(s) they aim to capture and how they anticipate using the screening tools to address social determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Colon
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA.
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Caldwell HA, Yusuf J, Carrea C, Conrad P, Embrett M, Fierlbeck K, Hajizadeh M, Kirk SF, Rothfus M, Sampalli T, Sim SM, Tomblin Murphy G, Williams L. Strategies and indicators to integrate health equity in health service and delivery systems in high-income countries: a scoping review. JBI Evid Synth 2024; 22:949-1070. [PMID: 38632975 PMCID: PMC11163892 DOI: 10.11124/jbies-23-00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to describe how health service and delivery systems in high-income countries define and operationalize health equity. A secondary objective was to identify implementation strategies and indicators being used to integrate and measure health equity. INTRODUCTION To improve the health of populations, a population health and health equity approach is needed. To date, most work on health equity integration has focused on reducing health inequities within public health, health care delivery, or providers within a health system, but less is known about integration across the health service and delivery system. INCLUSION CRITERIA This review included academic and gray literature sources that described the definitions, frameworks, level of integration, strategies, and indicators that health service and delivery systems in high-income countries have used to describe, integrate, and/or measure health equity. Sources were excluded if they were not available in English (or a translation was not available), were published before 1986, focused on strategies that were not implemented, did not provide health equity indicators, or featured strategies that were implemented outside the health service or delivery systems (eg, community-based strategies). METHODS This review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility followed by a full-text review to determine inclusion. The information extracted from the included studies consisted of study design and key findings, such as health equity definitions, strategies, frameworks, level of integration, and indicators. Most data were quantitatively tabulated and presented according to 5 secondary review questions. Some findings (eg, definitions and indicators) were summarized using qualitative methods. Most findings were visually presented in charts and diagrams or presented in tabular format. RESULTS Following review of 16,297 titles and abstracts and 824 full-text sources, we included 122 sources (108 scholarly and 14 gray literature) in this scoping review. We found that health equity was inconsistently defined and operationalized. Only 17 sources included definitions of health equity, and we found that both indicators and strategies lacked adequate descriptions. The use of health equity frameworks was limited and, where present, there was little consistency or agreement in their use. We found that strategies were often specific to programs, services, or clinics, rather than broadly applied across health service and delivery systems. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that strategies to advance health equity work are siloed within health service and delivery systems, and are not currently being implemented system-wide (ie, across all health settings). Healthy equity definitions and frameworks are varied in the included sources, and indicators for health equity are variable and inconsistently measured. Health equity integration needs to be prioritized within and across health service and delivery systems. There is also a need for system-wide strategies to promote health equity, alongside robust accountability mechanisms for measuring health equity. This is necessary to ensure that an integrated, whole-system approach can be consistently applied in health service and delivery systems internationally. REVIEW REGISTRATION DalSpace dalspace.library.dal.ca/handle/10222/80835.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary A.T. Caldwell
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Joshua Yusuf
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Cecilia Carrea
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Patricia Conrad
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Katherine Fierlbeck
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Dalhousie Libraries, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mohammad Hajizadeh
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sara F.L. Kirk
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Melissa Rothfus
- Department of Political Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Sarah Meaghan Sim
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Lane Williams
- Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Alvis CE, Mosha M, Amankwah EK, Hernandez RG, Morrison JM. Comparison of Caregiver and Provider Food Insecurity Screening Preferences Within a Health System. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2024; 63:650-658. [PMID: 37559340 DOI: 10.1177/00099228231191926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity is a public health concern associated with poor health. Evidence guiding how to best implement screening for food insecurity across a pediatric health care system is lacking. We performed a single-center, multi-department, cross-sectional study of caregivers and health care providers in outpatient and inpatient settings to describe the beliefs, barriers, preferences, and preferred food insecurity screening location. Most providers and caregivers underestimated the pervasiveness of food insecurity while acknowledging the benefit of screening. Caregivers are overall receptive to food insecurity screening and disagree with feelings of discomfort or shame when disclosing food insecurity status. Providers acknowledged perceived caregiver discomfort, lack of community food resources, and lack of a validated screening tool as barriers to screening. Both caregivers and providers identified the primary care setting as the preferred screening setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Alvis
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Maua Mosha
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Ernest K Amankwah
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Raquel G Hernandez
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John M Morrison
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kogan J, Eichner J, Simhan H, Dalton E, Jutca A, Quinn B, Chaney J, Patterson A, Keyser D. Leveraging data to support health equity in an integrated delivery and finance system. Learn Health Syst 2024; 8:e10423. [PMID: 38883869 PMCID: PMC11176591 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction To accelerate healthcare transformation and advance health equity, scientists in learning health systems (LHSs) require ready access to integrated, comprehensive data that includes information on social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods We describe how an integrated delivery and finance system leveraged its learning ecosystem to advance health equity through (a) a cross-sector initiative to integrate healthcare and human services data for better meeting clients' holistic needs and (b) a system-level initiative to collect and use patient-reported SDOH data for connecting patients to needed resources. Results Through these initiatives, we strengthened our health system's capacity to meet diverse patient needs, address health disparities, and improve health outcomes. By sharing and integrating healthcare and human services data, we identified 281 000 Shared Services Clients and enhanced care management for 100 adult Medicaid/Special Needs Plan members. Over a 1-year period, we screened 9173 (37%) patients across UPMC's Women's Health Services Line and connected over 700 individuals to social services and supports. Conclusions Opportunities exist for LHSs to improve, expand, and sustain their innovative data practices. As learnings continue to emerge, LHSs will be well positioned to accelerate healthcare transformation and advance health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kogan
- UPMC Insurance Services Division and UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Joan Eichner
- UPMC Insurance Services Division and UPMC Center for Social Impact Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Hyagriv Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
- UPMC Magee Womens Hospital Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Erin Dalton
- Allegheny County Department of Human Services Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Alex Jutca
- Allegheny County Department of Human Services Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Beth Quinn
- UPMC Magee Womens Hospital Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | | | - Anna Patterson
- UPMC Insurance Services Division and UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
| | - Donna Keyser
- UPMC Insurance Services Division and UPMC Center for High-Value Health Care Pittsburgh Pennsylvania USA
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Rangachari P, Thapa A, Sherpa DL, Katukuri K, Ramadyani K, Jaidi HM, Goodrum L. Characteristics of hospital and health system initiatives to address social determinants of health in the United States: a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1413205. [PMID: 38873294 PMCID: PMC11173975 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1413205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the incentives and provisions created for hospitals by the US Affordable Care Act related to value-based payment and community health needs assessments, concerns remain regarding the adequacy and distribution of hospital efforts to address SDOH. This scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature identifies the key characteristics of hospital/health system initiatives to address SDOH in the US, to gain insight into the progress and gaps. Methods PRISMA-ScR criteria were used to inform a scoping review of the literature. The article search was guided by an integrated framework of Healthy People SDOH domains and industry recommended SDOH types for hospitals. Three academic databases were searched for eligible articles from 1 January 2018 to 30 June 2023. Database searches yielded 3,027 articles, of which 70 peer-reviewed articles met the eligibility criteria for the review. Results Most articles (73%) were published during or after 2020 and 37% were based in Northeast US. More initiatives were undertaken by academic health centers (34%) compared to safety-net facilities (16%). Most (79%) were research initiatives, including clinical trials (40%). Only 34% of all initiatives used the EHR to collect SDOH data. Most initiatives (73%) addressed two or more types of SDOH, e.g., food and housing. A majority (74%) were downstream initiatives to address individual health-related social needs (HRSNs). Only 9% were upstream efforts to address community-level structural SDOH, e.g., housing investments. Most initiatives (74%) involved hot spotting to target HRSNs of high-risk patients, while 26% relied on screening and referral. Most initiatives (60%) relied on internal capacity vs. community partnerships (4%). Health disparities received limited attention (11%). Challenges included implementation issues and limited evidence on the systemic impact and cost savings from interventions. Conclusion Hospital/health system initiatives have predominantly taken the form of downstream initiatives to address HRSNs through hot-spotting or screening-and-referral. The emphasis on clinical trials coupled with lower use of EHR to collect SDOH data, limits transferability to safety-net facilities. Policymakers must create incentives for hospitals to invest in integrating SDOH data into EHR systems and harnessing community partnerships to address SDOH. Future research is needed on the systemic impact of hospital initiatives to address SDOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavani Rangachari
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Alisha Thapa
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dawa Lhomu Sherpa
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Keerthi Katukuri
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kashyap Ramadyani
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Hiba Mohammed Jaidi
- Department of Population Health and Leadership, School of Health Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Lewis Goodrum
- Northeast Medical Group, Yale New Haven Health System, Stratford, CT, United States
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12
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Haines E, Shelton RC, Foley K, Beidas RS, Dressler EV, Kittel CA, Chaiyachati KH, Fayanju OM, Birken SA, Blumenthal D, Rendle KA. Addressing social needs in oncology care: another research-to-practice gap. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2024; 8:pkae032. [PMID: 38676669 PMCID: PMC11104529 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkae032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Social determinants of health and unmet social needs are directly related to cancer outcomes, from diagnosis to survivorship. If identified, unmet social needs can be addressed in oncology care by changing care plans in collaboration with patients' preferences and accounting for clinical practice guidelines (eg, reducing the frequency of appointments, switching treatment modalities) and connecting patients to resources within healthcare organizations (eg, social work support, patient navigation) and with community organizations (eg, food banks, housing assistance programs). Screening for social needs is the first step to identifying those who need additional support and is increasingly recognized as a necessary component of high-quality cancer care delivery. Despite evidence about the relationship between social needs and cancer outcomes and the abundance of screening tools, the implementation of social needs screening remains a challenge, and little is known regarding the adoption, reach, and sustainability of social needs screening in routine clinical practice. We present data on the adoption and implementation of social needs screening at two large academic cancer centers and discuss three challenges associated with implementing evidence-based social needs screening in clinical practice: (1) identifying an optimal approach for administering social needs screening in oncology care, (2) adequately addressing identified unmet needs with resources and support, and (3) coordinating social needs screening between oncology and primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Haines
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rachel C Shelton
- Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristie Foley
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rinad S Beidas
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily V Dressler
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Carol A Kittel
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Krisda H Chaiyachati
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oluwadamilola M Fayanju
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah A Birken
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Daniel Blumenthal
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katharine A Rendle
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Meacock SS, Khan IA, Hohmann AL, Cohen-Rosenblum A, Krueger CA, Purtill JJ, Fillingham YA. What Are Social Determinants of Health and Why Should They Matter to an Orthopaedic Surgeon? J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024:00004623-990000000-01071. [PMID: 38635723 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.23.01114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S Meacock
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Irfan A Khan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Alexandra L Hohmann
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anna Cohen-Rosenblum
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Chad A Krueger
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - James J Purtill
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yale A Fillingham
- Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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14
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Neshan M, Padmanaban V, Tsilimigras DI, Obeng-Gyasi S, Fareed N, Pawlik TM. Screening tools to address social determinants of health in the United States: A systematic review. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e60. [PMID: 38655456 PMCID: PMC11036426 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have mandated that hospitals implement measures to screen social determinants of health (SDoH). We sought to report on available SDoH screening tools. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, as well as the grey literature were searched (1980 to November 2023). The included studies were US-based, written in English, and examined a screening tool to assess SDoH. Thirty studies were included in the analytic cohort. The number of questions in any given SDoH assessment tool varied considerably and ranged from 5 to 50 (mean: 16.6). A total of 19 SDoH domains were examined. Housing (n = 23, 92%) and safety/violence (n = 21, 84%) were the domains assessed most frequently. Food/nutrition (n = 17, 68%), income/financial (n = 16, 64%), transportation (n = 15, 60%), family/social support (n = 14, 56%), utilities (n = 13, 52%), and education/literacy (n = 13, 52%) were also commonly included domains in most screening tools. Eighteen studies proposed specific interventions to address SDoH. SDoH screening tools are critical to identify various social needs and vulnerabilities to help develop interventions to address patient needs. Moreover, there is marked heterogeneity of SDoH screening tools, as well as the significant variability in the SDoH domains assessed by currently available screening tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Neshan
- Department of General Surgery, Shahid Sadoughi University of
Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd,
Iran
| | - Vennila Padmanaban
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner
Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus,
OH, USA
| | - Diamantis I. Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner
Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus,
OH, USA
| | - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner
Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus,
OH, USA
| | - Naleef Fareed
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine,
The Ohio State University, Columbus,
OH, USA
| | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner
Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus,
OH, USA
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15
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Kalsi N, Gordon D, Geske J. Identifying and addressing social determinants of health to improve patient-centered care. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e73. [PMID: 38690221 PMCID: PMC11058574 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this clinical improvement project was to instill a streamlined process of identifying social determinants of health (SDOH) in our clinic's diverse patient population and provide resources that address these barriers to health and well-being. At each clinic visit, patients self-identified SDOH through an easy-to-use Social Assessment Form. Using an online database, Community Relay (CR), providers had access to location-based community resources. In addition to accomplishing the above-mentioned goals, we were left with a more well-rounded understanding of our patients. Unique struggles were identified and barriers to care were revealed, allowing for more patient-centered medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Kalsi
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Denai Gordon
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jenenne Geske
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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16
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Adams WG, Gasman S, Beccia AL, Fuentes L. The Health Equity Explorer: An open-source resource for distributed health equity visualization and research across common data models. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e72. [PMID: 38690224 PMCID: PMC11058576 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is an urgent need to address pervasive inequities in health and healthcare in the USA. Many areas of health inequity are well known, but there remain important unexplored areas, and for many populations in the USA, accessing data to visualize and monitor health equity is difficult. Methods We describe the development and evaluation of an open-source, R-Shiny application, the "Health Equity Explorer (H2E)," designed to enable users to explore health equity data in a way that can be easily shared within and across common data models (CDMs). Results We have developed a novel, scalable informatics tool to explore a wide variety of drivers of health, including patient-reported Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), using data in an OMOP CDM research data repository in a way that can be easily shared. We describe our development process, data schema, potential use cases, and pilot data for 705,686 people who attended our health system at least once since 2016. For this group, 996,382 unique observations for questions related to food and housing security were available for 324,630 patients (at least one answer for all 46% of patients) with 65,152 (20.1% of patients with at least one visit and answer) reporting food or housing insecurity at least once. Conclusions H2E can be used to support dynamic and interactive explorations that include rich social and environmental data. The tool can support multiple CDMs and has the potential to support distributed health equity research and intervention on a national scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G. Adams
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Gasman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ariel L. Beccia
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liza Fuentes
- Health Equity Accelerator, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Levites Strekalova YA, Wang X, Sanchez O, Midence S. Trends in publication and levels of social determinants of health reporting in Journal of Clinical and Translational Science from 2017 to 2023. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e58. [PMID: 38655458 PMCID: PMC11036436 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Social determinants of health affect clinical and translational research processes and outcomes but remain underreported in empirical studies. This scoping review examined the rate and types of social determinants of health (SDoH) variables included in the JCTS translational research studies published between 2017 and 2023 and included 129 studies. Most papers (91.7%) reported at least one SDoH variable with age, race and ethnicity, and sex included most often. Future studies to inform the role of SDoH data in translational research and science are recommended, and a draft SDoH data checklist is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A. Levites Strekalova
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of
Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Xiangren Wang
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of
Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Orlando Sanchez
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sara Midence
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, College of
Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL, USA
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18
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Wright QC, Wiencek CA, Williams IC. Utilizing a Tailored Approach to Standardized Screening of Health-Related Social Needs. J Nurs Care Qual 2024; 39:114-120. [PMID: 37729002 DOI: 10.1097/ncq.0000000000000745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increased awareness of social determinants of health (SDoH), integrating social needs screening into health care practice has not consistently occurred. LOCAL PROBLEM No social needs screening using recommended standardized questions was available at an outpatient hemodialysis clinic. METHODS Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, based on the Model for Improvement, were used to implement the Core 5 SDoH screening tool, a staff referral process, and an evaluation of the implementation process. INTERVENTION A standardized social needs screening tool and a staff referral process were implemented. An evaluation of the implementation process also occurred. RESULTS Of 73 patients screened, 21 reported 32 unmet social needs; all received referrals to community resources. Nurses demonstrated high acceptance and usability of the tool and the referral process. CONCLUSIONS Implementing a standardized screening and referral process customized to clinical workflow enhanced the identification of social needs in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qaashuntae C Wright
- Author Affiliations: Intensive Care Unit, David Grant Medical Center, Fairfield, California (Dr Wright); and School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (Drs Wiencek and Williams)
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19
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Arroyave Caicedo NM, Parry E, Arslan N, Park S. Integration of social determinants of health information within the primary care electronic health record: a systematic review of patient perspectives and experiences. BJGP Open 2024; 8:BJGPO.2023.0155. [PMID: 37673433 PMCID: PMC11169979 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that impact health. Although geographical measures of deprivation are used, individual measures of social risk could identify those most at risk and generate more personalised care and targeted referrals to community resources. We know SDOH are important to health care, but it is not yet known whether their collection via the electronic health record (EHR) is acceptable and useful from the patient perspective. AIM To synthesise relevant literature to explore patient perspectives on integrating information about SDOH into primary care EHRs, and the opportunities and challenges of its implementation in a general practice setting. DESIGN & SETTING Systematic review of primary care-based qualitative and mixed-method studies using thematic framework analysis. METHOD Key databases were searched for articles reporting patient perspectives of SDOH collection within the primary care EHR. Qualitative and mixed-methods studies written in English were included. A framework analysis was conducted to identify themes. RESULTS From 14 included studies, the following five main themes were identified: rationale for SDOH screening and the anticipated outcomes; impact of the provider-patient relationship on patient perceptions; data, which included privacy concerns; screening process and referral; and recommendations for future research. CONCLUSION Integration of information on SDOH into the EHR appears acceptable to patients. This review has added to the discussion of whether and how to implement SDOH screening and referral programmes into UK primary care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Parry
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Nazan Arslan
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sophie Park
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
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20
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Lee King P, Surenian A, Odom RM, Shah K, Lee S, Jenkins E, Borders A. Using quality improvement to address social determinants of health needs in perinatal care. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151908. [PMID: 38692995 DOI: 10.1053/j.semperi.2024.151908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
There are unacceptable racial inequities in perinatal outcomes in the United States. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with health outcomes and contribute to disparities in maternal and newborn health. In this article, we (1) review the literature on SDOH improvement in the perinatal space, (2) describe the SDOH work facilitated by the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) in the Birth Equity quality improvement initiative, (3) detail a hospital's experience with implementing strategies to improve SDOH screening and linkage to needed resources and services and (4) outline a framework for success for addressing SDOH locally. A state-based quality improvement initiative can facilitate implementation of strategies to increase screening for SDOH. Engaging patients and communities with specific actionable strategies is key to increase linkage to needed SDOH resources and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Lee King
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Healthcare Services and Outcomes Research-Institute for Public Health and Medicine, 633N. St. Clair, 20th Fl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue Chicago, IL 60637, United States; NorthShore University HealthSystem (now Endeavor Health), Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, United States.
| | - Aleena Surenian
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Healthcare Services and Outcomes Research-Institute for Public Health and Medicine, 633N. St. Clair, 20th Fl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Renee M Odom
- NorthShore University HealthSystem (now Endeavor Health), Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
| | - Kshama Shah
- University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue Chicago, IL 60637, United States; NorthShore University HealthSystem (now Endeavor Health), Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
| | - SuYeon Lee
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Healthcare Services and Outcomes Research-Institute for Public Health and Medicine, 633N. St. Clair, 20th Fl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Elena Jenkins
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis, 6420 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights, MO 63117, United States
| | - Ann Borders
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Center for Healthcare Services and Outcomes Research-Institute for Public Health and Medicine, 633N. St. Clair, 20th Fl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue Chicago, IL 60637, United States; NorthShore University HealthSystem (now Endeavor Health), Maternal-Fetal-Medicine, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
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21
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Griesemer I, Palmer JA, MacLaren RZ, Harvey KLL, Li M, Garikipati A, Linsky AM, Mohr DC, Gurewich D. Rural Veterans' Experiences with Social Risk Factors: Impacts, Challenges, and Care System Recommendations. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:782-789. [PMID: 38010459 PMCID: PMC11043235 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08530-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social risk factors, such as food insecurity and financial needs, are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, health conditions that are highly prevalent in rural populations. A better understanding of rural Veterans' experiences with social risk factors can inform expansion of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) efforts to address social needs. OBJECTIVE To examine social risk and need from rural Veterans' lived experiences and develop recommendations for VHA to address social needs. DESIGN We conducted semi-structured interviews with participants purposively sampled for racial diversity. The interview guide was informed by Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and the Outcomes from Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Systems framework. PARTICIPANTS Rural Veterans with or at risk of cardiovascular disease who participated in a parent survey and agreed to be recontacted. APPROACH Interviews were recorded and transcribed. We analyzed transcripts using directed qualitative content analysis to identify themes. KEY RESULTS Interviews (n = 29) took place from March to June 2022. We identified four themes: (1) Social needs can impact access to healthcare, (2) Structural factors can make it difficult to get help for social needs, (3) Some Veterans are reluctant to seek help, and (4) Veterans recommended enhancing resource dissemination and navigation support. CONCLUSIONS VHA interventions should include active dissemination of information on social needs resources and navigation support to help Veterans access resources. Community-based organizations (e.g., Veteran Service Organizations) could be key partners in the design and implementation of future social need interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Griesemer
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Palmer
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Risette Z MacLaren
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly L L Harvey
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingfei Li
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | - Amy M Linsky
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David C Mohr
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah Gurewich
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Oblath R, Dayal R, Loubeau JK, Lejeune J, Sikov J, Savage M, Posse C, Jain S, Zolli N, Baul TD, Ladino V, Ji C, Kabrt J, Sidky L, Rabin M, Kim DY, Kobayashi I, Murphy JM, Garg A, Spencer AE. Trajectories and correlates of mental health among urban, school-age children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2024; 18:32. [PMID: 38486248 PMCID: PMC10941406 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-024-00712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic posed numerous obstacles to psychosocial wellbeing for children. We conducted a longitudinal study to evaluate child mental health and social risks during the pandemic. METHODS Participants were 172 caregivers of children aged 6-11 years old who attended well child visits within 6 months before pandemic onset at an urban safety net hospital in the US. Prepandemic data was extracted from the electronic medical record, and surveys were administered at three time points between August 2020 and July 2021. We measured mental health symptoms with the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17, social risks (e.g., food and housing insecurity) with the THRIVE questionnaire, and school modality (in-person, hybrid, remote). RESULTS Compared to pre-pandemic, children had significantly higher PSC-17 total scores (overall mental health symptoms) and THRIVE total scores (total burden of social risks) at all three mid-pandemic waves. Using longitudinal mixed models accounting for time, social risks, and school modality, both social risks (B = 0.37, SE = 0.14, p < 0.01) and school modality were significantly associated with PSC-17 scores (B = - 1.95, SE = 0.63, p < 0.01). Children attending in-person school had fewer mental health symptoms than those attending remote or hybrid school. CONCLUSION Mental health symptoms and social risks remained significantly higher fifteen months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to prepandemic. In-person attendance at school appeared protective against persistently elevated mental health symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Oblath
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- BEST Partnership for Behavioral Health, Racial, and Social Justice, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohan Dayal
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Julia Lejeune
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer Sikov
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, Florida International University, FL, Miami, USA
| | - Meera Savage
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catalina Posse
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sonal Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nicole Zolli
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tithi D Baul
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Valeria Ladino
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chelsea Ji
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Kabrt
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lillian Sidky
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan Rabin
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Do Yoon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Imme Kobayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, New York City, USA
| | - J Michael Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arvin Garg
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Equity Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Memorial Children's Medical Center, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Andrea E Spencer
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, IL, Chicago, USA.
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Hatef E, Chang HY, Richards TM, Kitchen C, Budaraju J, Foroughmand I, Lasser EC, Weiner JP. Development of a Social Risk Score in the Electronic Health Record to Identify Social Needs Among Underserved Populations: Retrospective Study. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e54732. [PMID: 38470477 DOI: 10.2196/54732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with unmet social needs and social determinants of health (SDOH) challenges continue to face a disproportionate risk of increased prevalence of disease, health care use, higher health care costs, and worse outcomes. Some existing predictive models have used the available data on social needs and SDOH challenges to predict health-related social needs or the need for various social service referrals. Despite these one-off efforts, the work to date suggests that many technical and organizational challenges must be surmounted before SDOH-integrated solutions can be implemented on an ongoing, wide-scale basis within most US-based health care organizations. OBJECTIVE We aimed to retrieve available information in the electronic health record (EHR) relevant to the identification of persons with social needs and to develop a social risk score for use within clinical practice to better identify patients at risk of having future social needs. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study using EHR data (2016-2021) and data from the US Census American Community Survey. We developed a prospective model using current year-1 risk factors to predict future year-2 outcomes within four 2-year cohorts. Predictors of interest included demographics, previous health care use, comorbidity, previously identified social needs, and neighborhood characteristics as reflected by the area deprivation index. The outcome variable was a binary indicator reflecting the likelihood of the presence of a patient with social needs. We applied a generalized estimating equation approach, adjusting for patient-level risk factors, the possible effect of geographically clustered data, and the effect of multiple visits for each patient. RESULTS The study population of 1,852,228 patients included middle-aged (mean age range 53.76-55.95 years), White (range 324,279/510,770, 63.49% to 290,688/488,666, 64.79%), and female (range 314,741/510,770, 61.62% to 278,488/448,666, 62.07%) patients from neighborhoods with high socioeconomic status (mean area deprivation index percentile range 28.76-30.31). Between 8.28% (37,137/448,666) and 11.55% (52,037/450,426) of patients across the study cohorts had at least 1 social need documented in their EHR, with safety issues and economic challenges (ie, financial resource strain, employment, and food insecurity) being the most common documented social needs (87,152/1,852,228, 4.71% and 58,242/1,852,228, 3.14% of overall patients, respectively). The model had an area under the curve of 0.702 (95% CI 0.699-0.705) in predicting prospective social needs in the overall study population. Previous social needs (odds ratio 3.285, 95% CI 3.237-3.335) and emergency department visits (odds ratio 1.659, 95% CI 1.634-1.684) were the strongest predictors of future social needs. CONCLUSIONS Our model provides an opportunity to make use of available EHR data to help identify patients with high social needs. Our proposed social risk score could help identify the subset of patients who would most benefit from further social needs screening and data collection to avoid potentially more burdensome primary data collection on all patients in a target population of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hatef
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hsien-Yen Chang
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thomas M Richards
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher Kitchen
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Janya Budaraju
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Iman Foroughmand
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elyse C Lasser
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jonathan P Weiner
- Center for Population Health Information Technology, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Leung CW, Patel MR, Miller M, Spring E, Wang Z, Wolfson JA, Cohen AJ, Heisler M, Hao W. Food Insecurity Prevalence and Risk Factors at a Large Academic Medical Center in Michigan. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e243723. [PMID: 38530312 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Health care systems are increasingly adopting methods to screen for and integrate food insecurity and other social risk factors into electronic health records. However, there remain knowledge gaps regarding the cumulative burden of food insecurity in large clinical settings, which patients are most at risk, and the extent to which patients are interested in social assistance through their health care system. Objective To evaluate the 5-year prevalence and associated risk factors of food insecurity among adult primary care patients, and to examine factors associated with patients' interest in social assistance among those with food insecurity. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional analysis of a retrospective cohort study took place at a tertiary care academic medical center (encompassing 20 primary care clinics) in Michigan. Participants included adult patients who completed screening for social risk factors between August 1, 2017, and August 1, 2022. Data analysis was performed from November 2022 to June 2023. Exposure Food insecurity was assessed using the Hunger Vital Sign. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was patients' interest in social assistance, and associated factors were examined using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for patients' demographic and health characteristics. Results Over the 5-year period, 106 087 adult primary care patients (mean [SD] age, 52.9 [17.9] years; 61 343 women [57.8%]) completed the standardized social risk factors questionnaire and were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of food insecurity was 4.2% (4498 patients), with monthly trends ranging from 1.5% (70 positive screens) in August 2018 to 5.0% (193 positive screens) in June 2022. Food insecurity was significantly higher among patients who were younger, female, non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic, unmarried or unpartnered, and with public health insurance. Food insecurity was significantly associated with a higher cumulative burden of social needs, including social isolation, medical care insecurity, medication nonadherence, housing instability, and lack of transportation. Only 20.6% of patients with food insecurity (927 patients) expressed interest in social assistance. Factors associated with interest in social assistance including being non-Hispanic Black, unmarried or unpartnered, a current smoker, and having a higher burden of other social needs. Conclusions and Relevance In this retrospective cohort study, the overall prevalence of food insecurity was 4.2%, of whom approximately 1 in 5 patients with food insecurity expressed interest in assistance. This study highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring all patients complete routine social determinants of health screening and gaps in patients' interest in assistance for food insecurity and other social needs through their health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy W Leung
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Minal R Patel
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | | | | | - Zixi Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
| | - Julia A Wolfson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alicia J Cohen
- Center for Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports, VA Providence Healthcare System, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Family Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Michele Heisler
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Wei Hao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor
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Glenn J, Kleinhenz G, Smith JMS, Chaney RA, Moxley VBA, Donoso Naranjo PG, Stone S, Hanson CL, Redelfs AH, Novilla MLB. Do healthcare providers consider the social determinants of health? Results from a nationwide cross-sectional study in the United States. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:271. [PMID: 38438936 PMCID: PMC10910743 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10656-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the social determinants of health (SDOH) have a greater impact on individual health outcomes than the healthcare services a person receives, healthcare providers face barriers to addressing these factors in clinical settings. Previous studies have shown that providers often lack the necessary knowledge and resources to adequately screen for and otherwise assist patients with unmet social needs. This study explores the perceptions and behaviors related to SDOH among healthcare providers in the United States (US). METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed data from a 22-item online survey using Reaction Data's research platform of healthcare professionals in the US. Survey items included demographic questions as well as Likert scale questions about healthcare providers' perceptions and behaviors related to SDOH. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and further analyses were conducted using t-tests and analysis of variance. RESULTS A total of 563 respondents completed the survey, with the majority being male (72.6%), White (81%), and located in urban areas (82.2%). In terms of perceptions, most providers agreed or strongly agreed that SDOH affect the health outcomes of all patients (68.5%), while only 24.1% agreed or strongly agreed that their healthcare setting was set up to address SDOH. In terms of behavior, fewer than half currently screened for SDOH (48.6%) or addressed (42.7%) SDOH in other ways. Most providers (55.7%) wanted additional resources to focus on SDOH. Statistical analyses showed significant differences by gender, with females being more likely than males to prioritize SDOH, and by specialty, with psychiatrists, pediatricians, and family/general medicine practitioners being more likely to prioritize SDOH. CONCLUSION Most healthcare providers understand the connection between unmet social needs and their patients' health, but they also feel limited in their ability to address these issues. Ongoing efforts to improve medical education and shift the healthcare system to allow for payment and delivery of more holistic care that considers SDOH will likely provide new opportunities for healthcare providers. In addition to what they can do at the institutional and patient levels, providers have the potential to advocate for policy and system changes at the societal level that can better address the root causes of social issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Glenn
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA.
| | - Gwen Kleinhenz
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Jenna M S Smith
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Robert A Chaney
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Victor B A Moxley
- J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA
| | | | - Sarah Stone
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Carl L Hanson
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Alisha H Redelfs
- Department of Public Health, Brigham Young University, 84602, Provo, UT, USA
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Zhu M, Arinze N, Buitron de la Vega P, Alonso A, Levin S, Farber A, King E, Kobzeva-Herzog A, Chitalia VC, Siracuse JJ. High Prevalence of Adverse Social Determinants of Health in Dialysis Access Creation Patients in a Safety-Net Setting. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 100:31-38. [PMID: 38110081 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients receiving dialysis access surgery are often exposed to adverse social determinants of health (SDH) that negatively impact their care. Our goal was to characterize these factors experienced by our arteriovenous dialysis access patients and identify differences in health outcomes based on their SDH. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent dialysis access creation (2017-2021) and were screened for SDH at a clinical visit (using THRIVE survey) implemented at an urban, safety-net hospital institution within 1 year of access creation. Demographics, procedural details, early postoperative outcomes, survey responses, and referral to our hospital's preventive food pantry were recorded. Univariable analysis and multivariable analyses were performed to assess for associations with key health outcomes. RESULTS There were 190 patients who responded to the survey within 1 year of their operation. At least 1 adverse SDH was identified in 42 (22%) patients. Normalized to number of respondents for each question, adverse SDH identified were difficulty obtaining transportation to medical appointments (18%), food insecurity (16%), difficulty affording utilities (13%), difficulty affording medication (12%), unemployed and seeking employment (9%), unstable housing (7%), difficulty caring for family/friends (6%), and desiring more education (5%). There were 71 (37%) patients who received food pantry referrals. Mean age was 60 years and 38% of patients were female and 64% were Black. More than half of patients (57%) had a tunneled dialysis catheter (TDC) at the time of access creation. Dialysis accesses created were brachiocephalic (39%), brachiobasilic (25%), radiocephalic fistulas (16%), and arteriovenous grafts (14%). Thirty-day emergency department (ED) visits, 30-day readmissions, and 90-day mortality occurred in 23%, 21%, and 2%, respectively. On univariable and multivariable analyses, any adverse SDH determined on survey and food pantry referral were not associated with preoperative dialysis through TDCs, receiving nonautogenous dialysis access, 30-day ED visits and readmissions, or 90-day mortality. CONCLUSION Nearly a quarter of dialysis access surgery patients at a safety-net hospital experienced adverse SDH and more than one-third received a food pantry referral. Most common difficulties experienced include difficulty obtaining transportation to medical appointments, food insecurity, and difficulty paying for utilities and medication. Although there were no differences in postoperative outcomes, the high prevalence of these adverse SDH warrants prioritization of resources in this population to ensure healthy equity and further investigation into their effects on health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Zhu
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Nkiruka Arinze
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Pablo Buitron de la Vega
- Division of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea Alonso
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Scott Levin
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Alik Farber
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Elizabeth King
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Anna Kobzeva-Herzog
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Vipul C Chitalia
- Division of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jeffrey J Siracuse
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA.
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Egan KA, Xuan Z, Hofman M, Ma Shum J, Fernández-Pastrana I, Fiechtner L, Sandel M, Buitron de la Vega P, Kistin CJ, Hsu H. Food Pantry Referral and Utilization in a Pediatric Primary Care Clinic. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:444-453. [PMID: 37813171 PMCID: PMC10922354 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to characterize progression from screening for food insecurity risk to on-site food pantry referral to food pantry utilization in pediatric primary care. METHODS This retrospective study included 14,280 patients aged 0-21 years with ≥1 pediatric primary care visit from March 2018 to February 2020. Analyses were conducted in 2020-2022 using multivariable regression to examine patient-level demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic characteristics and systems-related factors associated with progression from screening positive for food insecurity risk to food pantry referral to completing ≥1 food pantry visit. RESULTS Of patients screened for food insecurity risk, 31.9% screened positive; 18.5% of food-insecure patients received an on-site food pantry referral. Among patients referred, 28.9% visited the food pantry. In multivariable models, higher odds of referral were found for patients living near the clinic (AOR=1.28; 95% CI=1.03, 1.59), for each additional health-related social need reported (AOR=1.23; 95% CI=1.16, 1.29), and when the index clinic encounter occurred during food pantry open hours (AOR=1.62; 95% CI=1.30, 2.02). Higher odds of food pantry visitation were found for patients with a preferred language of Haitian Creole (AOR=2.16; 95% CI=1.37, 3.39), for patients of Hispanic race/ethnicity (AOR=3.67; 95% CI=1.14, 11.78), when the index encounter occurred during food pantry open hours (AOR=1.96; 95% CI=1.25, 3.07), for patients with a clinician letter referral (AOR=6.74; 95% CI=3.94, 11.54), or for patients with a referral due to a screening-identified food emergency (AOR=2.27; 95% CI=1.30, 3.96). CONCLUSIONS There was substantial attrition along the pathway from screening positive for food insecurity risk to food pantry referral and utilization as well as patient-level characteristics and systems-related factors associated with successful referrals and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A Egan
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Ziming Xuan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa Hofman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julio Ma Shum
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Lauren Fiechtner
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts; The Greater Boston Food Bank, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Megan Sandel
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pablo Buitron de la Vega
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Caroline J Kistin
- Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Heather Hsu
- Division of Health Services Research, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Stewart J, Ruiz-Mercado G, Sperring H, Pierre CM, Assoumou SA, Taylor JL. Addressing Unmet PrEP Needs in Women: Impact of a Laboratory-Driven Protocol at an Urban, Essential Hospital. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae056. [PMID: 38464490 PMCID: PMC10921387 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in women remains low. We developed a laboratory result-driven protocol to link women with a positive bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) to HIV PrEP at an urban safety-net hospital. Methods Electronic health records of women with positive chlamydia, gonorrhea, and/or syphilis tests were reviewed, and those eligible for PrEP were referred for direct or primary care provider-driven outreach. We assessed the proportion of women with STIs who received PrEP offers, acceptance, and prescriptions before (July 1, 2018-December 31, 2018) and after (January 1, 2019-June 30, 2020) implementation to evaluate changes in the delivery of key elements of the PrEP care cascade (ie, PrEP offers, acceptance, and prescribing) for women with STIs after protocol implementation. Results The proportion of women who received PrEP offers increased from 7.6% to 17.6% (P < .001). After multivariable adjustment, only the postintervention period was associated with PrEP offers (odds ratio [OR], 2.49; 95% CI, 1.68-3.68). In subgroup analyses, PrEP offers increased significantly among non-Hispanic Black (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.65-4.58) and Hispanic (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 1.77-16.11) women but not among non-Hispanic White women (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 0.54-4.05). Significant changes in PrEP acceptance and prescriptions were not observed in the sample overall. Conclusions A laboratory result-driven protocol was associated with a significant increase in PrEP offers to Black and Hispanic women with STI. These results provide concrete suggestions for health systems seeking to increase PrEP access and equity among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stewart
- Section of Infectious Disease, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Glorimar Ruiz-Mercado
- Section of Infectious Disease, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Heather Sperring
- Section of Infectious Disease, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cassandra M Pierre
- Section of Infectious Disease, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sabrina A Assoumou
- Section of Infectious Disease, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica L Taylor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Mohottige D. Paving a Path to Equity in Cardiorenal Care. Semin Nephrol 2024; 44:151519. [PMID: 38960842 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2024.151519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Cardiorenal syndrome encompasses a dynamic interplay between cardiovascular and kidney disease, and its prevention requires careful examination of multiple predisposing underlying conditions. The unequal distribution of diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, and kidney disease requires special attention because of the influence of these conditions on cardiorenal disease. Despite growing evidence regarding the benefits of disease-modifying agents (e.g., sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors) for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic (CKM) disease, significant disparities remain in access to and utilization of these essential therapeutics. Multilevel barriers impeding their use require multisector interventions that address patient, provider, and health system-tailored strategies. Burgeoning literature also describes the critical role of unequal social determinants of health, or the sociopolitical contexts in which people live and work, in cardiorenal risk factors, including heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. This review outlines (i) inequality in the burden and treatment of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure; (ii) disparities in the use of key disease-modifying therapies for CKM diseases; and (iii) multilevel barriers and solutions to achieve greater pharmacoequity in the use of disease-modifying therapies. In addition, this review provides summative evidence regarding the role of unequal social determinants of health in cardiorenal health disparities, further outlining potential considerations for future research and intervention. As proposed in the 2023 American Heart Association presidential advisory on CKM health, a paradigm shift will be needed to achieve cardiorenal health equity. Through a deeper understanding of CKM health and a commitment to equity in the prevention, detection, and treatment of CKM disease, we can achieve this critical goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinushika Mohottige
- Institute for Health Equity Research, Department of Population Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY; Barbara T. Murphy Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
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30
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Li C, Mowery DL, Ma X, Yang R, Vurgun U, Hwang S, Donnelly HK, Bandhey H, Akhtar Z, Senathirajah Y, Sadhu EM, Getzen E, Freda PJ, Long Q, Becich MJ. Realizing the Potential of Social Determinants Data: A Scoping Review of Approaches for Screening, Linkage, Extraction, Analysis and Interventions. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.04.24302242. [PMID: 38370703 PMCID: PMC10871446 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.04.24302242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Social determinants of health (SDoH) like socioeconomics and neighborhoods strongly influence outcomes, yet standardized SDoH data is lacking in electronic health records (EHR), limiting research and care quality. Methods We searched PubMed using keywords "SDOH" and "EHR", underwent title/abstract and full-text screening. Included records were analyzed under five domains: 1) SDoH screening and assessment approaches, 2) SDoH data collection and documentation, 3) Use of natural language processing (NLP) for extracting SDoH, 4) SDoH data and health outcomes, and 5) SDoH-driven interventions. Results We identified 685 articles, of which 324 underwent full review. Key findings include tailored screening instruments implemented across settings, census and claims data linkage providing contextual SDoH profiles, rule-based and neural network systems extracting SDoH from notes using NLP, connections found between SDoH data and healthcare utilization/chronic disease control, and integrated care management programs executed. However, considerable variability persists across data sources, tools, and outcomes. Discussion Despite progress identifying patient social needs, further development of standards, predictive models, and coordinated interventions is critical to fulfill the potential of SDoH-EHR integration. Additional database searches could strengthen this scoping review. Ultimately widespread capture, analysis, and translation of multidimensional SDoH data into clinical care is essential for promoting health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Li
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Biomedical Informatics
| | - Danielle L. Mowery
- University of Pennsylvania, Institute for Biomedical Informatics
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics
| | - Xiaomeng Ma
- University of Toronto, Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluations
| | - Rui Yang
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Centre for Quantitative Medicine
| | - Ugurcan Vurgun
- University of Pennsylvania, Institute for Biomedical Informatics
| | - Sy Hwang
- University of Pennsylvania, Institute for Biomedical Informatics
| | | | - Harsh Bandhey
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Computational Biomedicine
| | - Zohaib Akhtar
- Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
| | - Yalini Senathirajah
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Biomedical Informatics
| | - Eugene Mathew Sadhu
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Biomedical Informatics
| | - Emily Getzen
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics
| | - Philip J Freda
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Department of Computational Biomedicine
| | - Qi Long
- University of Pennsylvania, Institute for Biomedical Informatics
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics
| | - Michael J. Becich
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Biomedical Informatics
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Sullivan GA, Gely Y, Palmisano ZM, Donaldson A, Rangel M, Gulack BC, Johnson JK, Shah AN. Surgeon Understanding and Perceptions of Social Determinants of Health. J Surg Res 2024; 294:73-81. [PMID: 37864961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Social determinants of health impact surgical outcomes. Characterization of surgeon understanding of social determinants of health is necessary prior to implementation of interventions to address patient needs. The study objective was to explore understanding, perceived importance, and practices regarding social determinants of health among surgeons. METHODS Surgical residents and attending surgeons at a single academic medical center completed surveys regarding social determinants of health. We conducted semi-structured interviews to further explore understanding and perceived importance. A conceptual framework from the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Determinants of Health informed the thematic analysis. RESULTS Survey response rate was 47.9% (n = 69, 44 residents [63.8%], 25 attendings [36.2%]). Respondents primarily reported good (n = 29, 42.0%) understanding of social determinants of health and perceived this understanding to be very important (n = 42, 60.9%). Documentation occurred seldom (n = 35, 50.7%), and referrals occurred seldom (n = 26, 37.7%) or never (n = 20, 29.0%). Residents reported a higher rate of prior training than attendings (95.5% versus 56.0%, P < 0.001). Ten interviews were conducted (six residents, four attendings). Residents demonstrated greater understanding of socioeconomic positions and hierarchies shaped by structural mechanisms than attendings. Both residents and attendings demonstrated understanding of intermediary determinants of health status and linked social determinants to impacting patients' health and well-being. Specific knowledge gaps were identified regarding underlying structural mechanisms including the social, economic, and political context that influence an individual's socioeconomic position. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported understanding and importance of social determinants of health among surgeons were high. Interviews revealed gaps in understanding that may contribute to limited practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwyneth A Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yumiko Gely
- Rush Medical College, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Andrew Donaldson
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Melissa Rangel
- Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brian C Gulack
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Julie K Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Northwestern Quality Improvement, Research, and Education in Surgery (NQUIRES), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Illinois
| | - Ami N Shah
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
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Gabbay JM, Abrams EM, Nyenhuis SM, Wu AC. Housing Insecurity and Asthma Outcomes. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:327-333. [PMID: 37871647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease with widespread prevalence that affects children, adolescents, and adults. Asthma morbidity and mortality can be exacerbated in the setting of housing insecurity. In this Grand Rounds Review article, we present a case and discuss the implications that housing insecurity has on asthma outcomes in the United States. We then highlight ways in which providers can advocate for patients with asthma and housing insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elissa M Abrams
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sharmilee M Nyenhuis
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill
| | - Ann Chen Wu
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass; Division of Child Health Research and Policy, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, Mass
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Arbour M, Fico P, Atwood S, Yu N, Hur L, Srinivasan M, Gitomer R. Primary Care-Based Housing Program Reduced Outpatient Visits; Patients Reported Mental And Physical Health Benefits. Health Aff (Millwood) 2024; 43:200-208. [PMID: 38315923 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Screening for housing instability has increased as health systems move toward value-based care, but evidence on how health care-based housing interventions affect patient outcomes comes mostly from interventions that address homelessness. In this mixed-methods evaluation of a primary care-based housing program in Boston, Massachusetts, for 1,139 patients with housing-related needs that extend beyond homelessness, we found associations between program participation and health care use. Patients enrolled in the program between October 2018 and March 2021 had 2.5 fewer primary care visits and 3.6 fewer outpatient visits per year compared with those who were not enrolled, including fewer social work, behavioral health, psychiatry, and urgent care visits. Patients in the program who obtained new housing reported mental and physical health benefits, and some expressed having stronger connections to their health care providers. Many patients attributed improvements in mental health to compassionate support provided by the program's housing advocates. Health care-based housing interventions should address the needs of patients facing imminent housing crises. Such interventions hold promise for redressing health inequities and restoring dignity to the connections between historically marginalized patient populations and health care institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Na Yu
- Na Yu, Brigham and Women's Hospital
| | - Lynn Hur
- Lynn Hur, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maahika Srinivasan
- Maahika Srinivasan, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Pino EC, Gonzalez F, Nelson KP, Jaiprasert S, Lopez GM. Disparities in use of physical restraints at an urban, minority-serving hospital emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2024; 31:6-17. [PMID: 37597262 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports have identified associations between patient race and ethnicity and use of physical restraint while receiving care in the emergency department (ED). However, no study has assessed this relationship in hospitals primarily treating patients of color and underserved populations. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and the use of restraints in an ED population at a minority-serving, safety-net institution. METHODS For this cross-sectional study, chart review identified all adult patients presenting to the Boston Medical Center ED between January 2018 and April 2021. Generalized estimating equation logistic regression modeling was conducted to evaluate associations between race and use of restraints. RESULTS Of 348,384 ED visits (22.9% White, 46.7% Black, 23.1% Hispanic), 1852 (0.5%) had an associated physical restraint order. Multivariable models showed significant interactions (p = 0.02) between race/ethnicity, behavioral health diagnosis, and sex on the primary outcome of physical restraint. Stratified analysis revealed that among patients with no behavioral health diagnoses, Black (odds ratio [OR] 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.72, p = 0.0003) and Hispanic (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.63, p = 0.0004) patients had lower odds of restraint than White patients. Among female patients with a mental health and/or substance use disorder diagnosis, Black (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.49-2.54, p < 0.0001) and Hispanic (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.49-3.03, p < 0.0001) patients had higher odds of restraint than White patients. Similar trends were observed for Black male patients (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.34-1.91, p < 0.0001) but not for Hispanic male patients (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.73-1.26, p = 0.77) with behavioral health diagnoses who had similar odds of restraint to White patients. Additional factors associated with physical restraint include younger age, public or lack of insurance, and ED visits during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Racial disparities exist in restraint utilization at this minority-serving safety-net hospital; however, these disparities are modified by sex and by behavioral health diagnoses. The reasons for these disparities may be multifactorial and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Pino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Felisha Gonzalez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kerrie P Nelson
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sorraya Jaiprasert
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gina M Lopez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Bosold A, Abrams Weintraub T, Cowen K, Talwar-Hebert M, Abowd Johnson K, Barolín N. Health-Related Social Needs Screening: Promising Practices From the Accountable Health Communities Model. Health Promot Pract 2023:15248399231213582. [PMID: 38044572 DOI: 10.1177/15248399231213582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Health-related social needs (HRSNs), such as food insecurity and housing instability, drive health and well-being. The socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic increased the prevalence of HRSNs and highlighted the critical need for strategies to address those needs, particularly in communities experiencing health disparities. Implementing HRSN screening requires adopting effective strategies to overcome common challenges. This report synthesizes promising implementation approaches and lessons learned from the Accountable Health Communities Model, a national effort funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center to systematically screen for and address HRSNs in clinical settings. Key strategies include increasing patient engagement and building trust through culturally tailored language and outreach; using and sharing data for monitoring and improvement; using technology to expand access to screening and referrals; dedicating staff to screening roles; integrating screening into existing workflows; and building buy-in among staff by communicating the impact of screening and encouraging peer connections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Natalia Barolín
- Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Brewer SE, DeCamp LR, Reedy J, Armstrong R, DeKeyser HH, Federico MJ, McFarlane A, Figlio G, Huebschmann AG, Szefler SJ, Cicutto L. Developing a Social Determinants of Health Needs Assessment for Colorado Kids (SNACK) Tool for a School-Based Asthma Program: Findings from a Pilot Study. Ethn Dis 2023; DECIPHeR:126-131. [PMID: 38846737 PMCID: PMC11099530 DOI: 10.18865/ed.decipher.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background School-based asthma programs effectively address poorly controlled asthma and asthma disparities, especially when coupled with screening for and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) needs. Existing screening tools are tailored to clinical settings; therefore, we sought to develop a community-based SDOH screening tool. Design/Methods We used a four-phase iterative design process to develop and pilot a community-based screening tool. We used a modified Delphi process to identify screening tool domains, identified validated items for inclusion, and developed an appropriate tool layout for populations with limited health/general literacy. Community advisory boards reviewed and refined a draft tool. Next, we conducted a qualitative pilot test of acceptability to parents and feasibility for staff in a community health center. Results Six domains are included in our SDOH screening tool: health care access, transportation, food insecurity, public benefits, housing, and utilities. In the pilot test, 41 screenings were completed, and 36 parents (16.7% Spanish speaking) provided feedback. Most families understood the purpose of the screening; felt that the questions were clear, appropriate, and quick to complete; and liked the pictures. The clinic's care coordinator expressed a preference for the pilot tool compared to their existing screening tool and recommended improvements to encourage honest reporting by patients. Conclusion This community-based screening tool addresses key SDOH needs that impact asthma and is acceptable to families. The next steps are to implement the tool in school-based asthma programs to support improvements in asthma outcomes and disparities by identifying and addressing families' unmet SDOH needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Brewer
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Lisa R. DeCamp
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO
| | - Julia Reedy
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO
| | - Rachel Armstrong
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO
| | - Heather H. DeKeyser
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO
- Breathing Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Monica J. Federico
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO
- Breathing Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Gino Figlio
- High Plains Community Health Center, Lamar, CO
| | - Amy G. Huebschmann
- Adult and Child Consortium for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Aurora, CO
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Aurora, CO
- Ludeman Family Center for Women’s Health Research, Aurora, CO
| | - Stanley J. Szefler
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO
- Breathing Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO
| | - Lisa Cicutto
- National Jewish Health and University of Colorado College of Nursing and Clinical Science, Denver, CO
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Ulysse SN, Chandler MT, Santacroce L, Cai T, Liao KP, Feldman CH. Social Determinants of Health Documentation Among Individuals With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Conditions in an Integrated Care Management Program. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:2529-2536. [PMID: 37331999 PMCID: PMC10725994 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social determinants of health (SDoH), such as poverty, are associated with increased burden and severity of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. This study was undertaken to study the prevalence and documentation of SDoH-related needs in electronic health records (EHRs) of individuals with these conditions. METHODS We randomly selected individuals with ≥1 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth/Tenth Revision (ICD-9/10) code for a rheumatic/musculoskeletal condition enrolled in a multihospital integrated care management program that coordinates care for medically and/or psychosocially complex individuals. We assessed SDoH documentation using terms for financial needs, food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, and medication access according to EHR note review and ICD-10 SDoH billing codes (Z codes). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between demographic factors (age, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance) and ≥1 (versus 0) SDoH need as the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS Among 558 individuals with rheumatic/musculoskeletal conditions, 249 (45%) had ≥1 SDoH need documented in EHR notes by social workers, care coordinators, nurses, and physicians. A total of 171 individuals (31%) had financial insecurity, 105 (19%) had transportation needs, 94 (17%) had food insecurity; 5% had ≥1 related Z code. In the multivariable model, the odds of having ≥1 SDoH need was 2.45 times higher (95% CI 1.17-5.11) for Black versus White individuals and significantly higher for Medicaid or Medicare beneficiaries versus commercially insured individuals. CONCLUSION Nearly half of this sample of complex care management patients with rheumatic/musculoskeletal conditions had SDoH documented within EHR notes; financial insecurity was the most prevalent. Only 5% of patients had representative billing codes suggesting that systematic strategies to extract SDoH from notes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sciaska N. Ulysse
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mia T. Chandler
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Rheumatology Program, Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Leah Santacroce
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Tianrun Cai
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Katherine P. Liao
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Candace H. Feldman
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Abstract
Social determinants of health (SDoH) are reflected in how people live (access to health care, economic stability, built environment, food security, climate), learn (the educational environment), work (occupational environment), and play/socialize (social context and digital domain). All of these day-to-day conditions play a vital role in a patient's overall health, and a primary care provider should be prepared to understand their role to screen, assess, and address SDoH in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Morelli
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 3rd Floor, Old Hospital Building, 1005 Dr. D. B. Todd, Jr., Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208-3599, USA.
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Drewry MB, Yanguela J, Khanna A, O'Brien S, Phillips E, Bevel MS, McKinley MW, Corbie G, Dave G. A Systematic Review of Electronic Community Resource Referral Systems. Am J Prev Med 2023; 65:1142-1152. [PMID: 37286015 PMCID: PMC10696135 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community Resource Referral Systems delivered electronically through healthcare information technology systems (e.g., electronic medical records) have become more common in efforts to address patients' unmet health-related social needs. Community Resource Referral System connects patients with social supports such as food assistance, utility support, transportation, and housing. This systematic review identifies barriers and facilitators that influence the Community Resource Referral System's implementation in the U.S. by identifying and synthesizing peer-reviewed literature over a 15-year period. METHODS This systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted on five scientific databases to capture the literature published between January 2005 and December 2020. Data analysis was conducted from August 2021 to July 2022. RESULTS This review includes 41 articles of the 2,473 initial search results. Included literature revealed that Community Resource Referral Systems functioned to address a variety of health-related social needs and were delivered in different ways. Integrating the Community Resource Referral Systems into clinic workflows, maintenance of community-based organization inventories, and strong partnerships between clinics and community-based organizations facilitated implementation. The sensitivity of health-related social needs, technical challenges, and associated costs presented as barriers. Overall, electronic medical records-integration and automation of the referral process was reported as advantageous for the stakeholders. DISCUSSION This review provides information and guidance for healthcare administrators, clinicians, and researchers designing or implementing electronic Community Resource Referral Systems in the U.S. Future studies would benefit from stronger implementation science methodological approaches. Sustainable funding mechanisms for community-based organizations, clear stipulations regarding how healthcare funds can be spent on health-related social needs, and innovative governance structures that facilitate collaboration between clinics and community-based organizations are needed to promote the growth and sustainability of Community Resource Referral Systems in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura B Drewry
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Juan Yanguela
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anisha Khanna
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sara O'Brien
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ethan Phillips
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Malcolm S Bevel
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Augusta University, Department of Medicine, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Mary W McKinley
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Giselle Corbie
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gaurav Dave
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Center for Health Equity Research, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Han E, Kharrazi H, Shi L. Identifying Predictors of Nursing Home Admission by Using Electronic Health Records and Administrative Data: Scoping Review. JMIR Aging 2023; 6:e42437. [PMID: 37990815 PMCID: PMC10686617 DOI: 10.2196/42437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Among older adults, nursing home admissions (NHAs) are considered a significant adverse outcome and have been extensively studied. Although the volume and significance of electronic data sources are expanding, it is unclear what predictors of NHA have been systematically identified in the literature via electronic health records (EHRs) and administrative data. Objective This study synthesizes findings of recent literature on identifying predictors of NHA that are collected from administrative data or EHRs. Methods The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines were used for study selection. The PubMed and CINAHL databases were used to retrieve the studies. Articles published between January 1, 2012, and March 31, 2023, were included. Results A total of 34 papers were selected for final inclusion in this review. In addition to NHA, all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and rehospitalization were frequently used as outcome measures. The most frequently used models for predicting NHAs were Cox proportional hazards models (studies: n=12, 35%), logistic regression models (studies: n=9, 26%), and a combination of both (studies: n=6, 18%). Several predictors were used in the NHA prediction models, which were further categorized into sociodemographic, caregiver support, health status, health use, and social service use factors. Only 5 (15%) studies used a validated frailty measure in their NHA prediction models. Conclusions NHA prediction tools based on EHRs or administrative data may assist clinicians, patients, and policy makers in making informed decisions and allocating public health resources. More research is needed to assess the value of various predictors and data sources in predicting NHAs and validating NHA prediction models externally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyung Han
- Ho-Young Institute of Community Health, Paju, Republic of Korea
- Asia Pacific Center For Hospital Management and Leadership Research, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, BaltimoreMD, United States
| | - Hadi Kharrazi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, BaltimoreMD, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, BaltimoreMD, United States
| | - Leiyu Shi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, BaltimoreMD, United States
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McDonald-Lopez K, Murphy AK, Gould-Werth A, Griffin J, Bader MDM, Kovski N. A Driver in Health Outcomes: Developing Discrete Categories of Transportation Insecurity. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1854-1863. [PMID: 37365831 PMCID: PMC10631295 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that transportation is an important social determinant of health, because the ability to get around is consequential for accessing health care and nutritious food and for making social connections. We used an inductive mixed-methods approach and a quantitative k-means clustering approach to identify 5 categories of transportation insecurity using the validated 16-item Transportation Security Index. The resulting 5-category measure distinguished among respondents with qualitatively different experiences of transportation insecurity. Analyzing data from 2018 that were representative of the US adult population aged 25 years or older, we demonstrated a nonparametric association between transportation insecurity and 2 different health measures (self-rated health and depressive symptoms). There was a threshold relationship between self-rated health and any level of transportation insecurity. High transportation insecurity had a very strong relationship with depressive symptoms. The categorical Transportation Security Index will be useful for clinicians who wish to screen for transportation-related barriers to health care. It will also facilitate research investigating the influence of transportation insecurity on health outcomes and provide the basis for interventions designed to address health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina McDonald-Lopez
- Correspondence to Karina McDonald-Lopez, Department of Sociology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, 500 South State Street #2005, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 | (e-mail: )
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Hao SB, Jilcott Pitts SB, Iasiello J, Mejia C, Quinn AW, Popowicz P, Mitsakos A, Parikh AA, Snyder RA. A Mixed-Methods Study to Evaluate the Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing an Electronic Health Record Social Determinants of Health Screening Instrument into Routine Clinical Oncology Practice. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:7299-7308. [PMID: 37606839 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14124-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) in the outpatient oncology setting is uncommon. The primary goal of this study was to prospectively evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of implementing an electronic health record (EHR) SDOH screening instrument into routine, clinical, oncology practice. METHODS Adult patients with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer presenting to a regional cancer center (November 2020 to July 2021) were eligible. Based on the consolidated framework for implementation research, feasibility measures included screening completion, median clinic visit time, and acceptability by the inter-professional care team and patients as measured by semistructured, qualitative interviews and surveys. Secondary outcomes included SDOH needs identified. RESULTS Of 137 eligible patients, 112 (81.8%) were screened for SDOH. Demographics of the cohort included: 41.1% black (n = 46), 48.2% rural (n = 54), 4.5% uninsured (n = 5), and 6.3% Medicaid-insured (n = 7) patients. Median visit time was 97 min (95% CI 70-107 min) before and 100 min after implementation (95% CI 75-119 min; p = 0.95). In total, 95.5% (n = 107) reported at least one SDOH need. Clinicians (7/10) reported that SDOH screening was not disruptive and were supportive of ongoing use. Patients (10/10) found the screening acceptable. Screening staff (5/5) reported workflow barriers. Patients and staff also recommended revision of specific instrument questions. CONCLUSIONS Routine collection of SDOH in an outpatient oncology setting using an EHR instrument is feasible and does not result in increased visit time for patients or clinicians. However, staff perceptions of clinic workflow disruption were reported. Further investigation to determine whether standardized SDOH assessment can improve cancer care delivery and outcomes is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scarlett B Hao
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | | | - John Iasiello
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Christopher Mejia
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Ashley W Quinn
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Patrycja Popowicz
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Anastasios Mitsakos
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Alexander A Parikh
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca A Snyder
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
- Department of Public Health, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Llamocca EN, Yeh HH, Miller-Matero LR, Westphal J, Frank CB, Simon GE, Owen-Smith AA, Rossom RC, Lynch FL, Beck AL, Waring SC, Lu CY, Daida YG, Fontanella CA, Ahmedani BK. Association Between Adverse Social Determinants of Health and Suicide Death. Med Care 2023; 61:744-749. [PMID: 37708352 PMCID: PMC10592168 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000001918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify adverse social determinants of health (SDoH) International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code prevalence among individuals who died by suicide and to examine associations between documented adverse SDoH and suicide. RESEARCH DESIGN A case-control study using linked medical record, insurance claim, and mortality data from 2000 to 2015 obtained from 9 Mental Health Research Network-affiliated health systems. We included 3330 individuals who died by suicide and 333,000 randomly selected controls matched on index year and health system location. All individuals in the study (cases and controls) had at least 10 months of enrollment before the study index date. The index date for the study for each case and their matched controls was the suicide date for that given case. RESULTS Adverse SDoH documentation was low; only 6.6% of cases had ≥1 documented adverse SDoH in the year before suicide. Any documented SDoH and several specific adverse SDoH categories were more frequent among cases than controls. Any documented adverse SDoH was associated with higher suicide odds [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.76; 95% CI: 2.38-3.20], as was family alcoholism/drug addiction (aOR=18.23; 95% CI: 8.54-38.92), being an abuse victim/perpetrator (aOR=2.53; 95% CI: 1.99-3.21), other primary support group problems (aOR=1.91; 95% CI: 1.32-2.75), employment/occupational maladjustment problems (aOR=8.83; 95% CI: 5.62-13.87), housing/economic problems (aOR: 6.41; 95% CI: 4.47-9.19), legal problems (aOR=27.30; 95% CI: 12.35-60.33), and other psychosocial problems (aOR=2.58; 95% CI: 1.98-3.36). CONCLUSIONS Although documented SDoH prevalence was low, several adverse SDoH were associated with increased suicide odds, supporting calls to increase SDoH documentation in medical records. This will improve understanding of SDoH prevalence and assist in identification and intervention among individuals at high suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyse N Llamocca
- Henry Ford Health, Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research
| | - Hsueh-Han Yeh
- Henry Ford Health, Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research
| | - Lisa R Miller-Matero
- Henry Ford Health, Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research
- Henry Ford Health, Behavioral Health Services
| | - Joslyn Westphal
- Henry Ford Health, Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research
| | | | - Gregory E Simon
- Kaiser Permanente Washington, Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Ashli A Owen-Smith
- Georgia State University, School of Public Health
- Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Center for Research and Evaluation, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Frances L Lynch
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Center for Health Research, Portland, OR
| | - Arne L Beck
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Institute for Health Research, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Christine Y Lu
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Population Medicine
- Harvard Pilgrim Health System, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Yihe G Daida
- Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, Center for Integrated Health Research, Honolulu, HI
| | - Cynthia A Fontanella
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Center for Suicide Prevention and Research
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Columbus, OH
| | - Brian K Ahmedani
- Henry Ford Health, Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research
- Henry Ford Health, Behavioral Health Services
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Rudisill AC, Eicken MG, Gupta D, Macauda M, Self S, Kennedy AB, Thomas D, Kao E, Jeanty M, Hartley J. Patient and Care Team Perspectives on Social Determinants of Health Screening in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2345444. [PMID: 38015502 PMCID: PMC10685887 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.45444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Health systems in the US are increasingly screening for social determinants of health (SDOH). However, guidance incorporating stakeholder feedback is limited. Objective To examine patient and care team experiences in early implementation of SDOH screening in primary care. Design, Setting, and Participants This qualitative study included cross-sectional analysis of SDOH screenings during primary care visits from February 22 to May 10, 2022, primary care team member interviews from July 6, 2022, to March 8, 2023, and patient stakeholder engagement on June 30, 2022. The setting was a large southeastern US health care system. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with completed visits in primary care. Exposure Screening for SDOH in primary care. Main outcomes and Measures Multivariable logistic regression evaluated patient (eg, age, race and ethnicity) and care team characteristics (eg, practice type), and screening completeness. Interviews contextualized the quantitative analysis. Results There were 78 928 visits in practices conducting any SDOH screening. The population with visits had a mean (SD) age of 57.6 (18.1) years; 48 086 (60.9%) were female, 12 569 (15.9%) Black, 60 578 (76.8%) White, and 3088 (3.9%) Hispanic. A total of 54 611 visits (69.2%) were with a doctor of medicine and 13 035 (16.5%) with a nurse practitioner. Most had no SDOH questions answered (75 298 [95.4%]) followed by all questions (2976 [3.77%]). Logistic regression analysis found that clinician type, patient race, and primary payer were associated with screening likelihood: for clinician type, nurse practitioner (odds ratio [OR], 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03-0.62; P = .01) and physician assistant (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.19-8.10; P = .02); for patient race, Asian (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25-2.28; P = .001); Black (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.10-2.01; P = .009); or 2 or more races (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.12-1.94; P = .006); and for primary payer, Medicaid (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.80; P < .001); managed care (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.07-1.29; P = .001); uninsured or with Access Health (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10-0.67; P = .005), and Tricare (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.92; P = .01). Interview themes included barriers (patient hesitancy, time and resources for screening and referrals, and number of questions/content overlap) and facilitators (communication, practice champions, and support for patient needs). Conclusions and Relevance This qualitative study presents potential guidance regarding factors that could improve SDOH screening within busy clinical workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Caroline Rudisill
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Greenville
| | - Meredith G.A. Eicken
- Department of Medicine, Prisma Health, Upstate, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville
| | - Deeksha Gupta
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Greenville
| | - Mark Macauda
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Greenville
| | - Stella Self
- Department of Epidemiology/Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Greenville
| | - Ann Blair Kennedy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville
| | - Darin Thomas
- Addiction Medicine Center, Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Elise Kao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville
| | - Mia Jeanty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville
| | - Jackson Hartley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville
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Takada S, Shen Z, Bourgois P, Duru OK, Gelberg L, Han M, Javanbakht M, Shoptaw S, Wells K, Ryan G. A Qualitative Study of Perceptions and Preferences Regarding Social and Behavioral Risk Screening Among Primary Care Patients. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:3171-3179. [PMID: 37578623 PMCID: PMC10651619 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08344-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its relevance for healthcare settings, social and behavioral risk screening is not systematically performed by clinicians or healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE To address clinician concerns, such as social and behavioral risk screening disrupting the clinician-patient relationship and lack of resources to respond, we interviewed primary care patients at an academic medical center regarding their perceptions and preferences on social and behavioral risk screening. PARTICIPANTS Between September and December 2020, we recruited a convenience sample of 14 English-speaking primary care patients 18 years + from three clinics affiliated with an academic medical center. APPROACH Using a semi-structured interview guide, we asked about the importance of social and behavioral risk screening, whether or not and how to share social and behavioral risk factors, and how social and behavioral risk factors are addressed. We used a multi-step analytic process to identify the range and commonality of participants' responses thematically. KEY RESULTS Participants recognized that social and behavioral risk factor domains were relevant to primary care and important for treating the patient as a whole person. Participants preferred a conversation regarding social and behavioral risk factor with their primary care providers (PCPs), and suggested that, if surveys are used, they be followed with an open-ended, in-person discussion. Participants also suggested framing the discussion as something that is done routinely with all patients so that patients do not feel judged. Participants felt comfortable sharing social and behavioral risk factors when they trusted their PCPs, and felt that discussing social and behavioral risk factors with their PCPs built trust. Participants recognized that resources exist outside of the clinic, and suggested that PCPs distribute lists of relevant community resources to patients. CONCLUSION In our study of primary care patients on perceptions and preferences about screening and addressing social and behavioral risk factors, we found that patients were willing to share social and behavioral risk factors with their PCP, preferred an in-person discussions with or without a survey, and wanted a list of community resources to address their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae Takada
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Zewei Shen
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Philippe Bourgois
- Center for Social Medicine and Humanities, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - O Kenrik Duru
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Office of Health Care Transformation and Innovation, VA Greater Los Angeles Health System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maria Han
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Steve Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Wells
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Health Services and Society, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gery Ryan
- Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA
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46
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Zhang WJ, Fornili K. Screening for Social Determinants of Health Among Medicare Beneficiaries in Primary Care During the Covid-19 Pandemic in Prince George's County, Maryland. J Community Health 2023; 48:903-911. [PMID: 37284919 PMCID: PMC10244830 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01236-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Primary care providers in Prince George's County, Maryland reported inconsistencies in their ability to identify and refer patients with social care needs. This project aimed to improve health outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries by implementing social determinant of health (SDOH) screening to identify unmet needs and improve rates of referral to appropriate services. Buy-in was achieved from providers and frontline staff via stakeholder meetings at a private primary care group practice. The Health Leads questionnaire was modified and integrated into the electronic health record. Medical assistants (MA) were trained to conduct screening and initiate care plan referrals prior to visits with the medical provider. During implementation, 96.25% of patients (n = 231) agreed to screening. Of these, 13.42% (n = 31) screened positive for at least one SDOH need, and 48.39% (n = 15) reported multiple social needs. Top needs included social isolation (26.23%), literacy (16.39%), and financial concerns (14.75%). All patients screening positive for one or more social needs were provided referral resources. Patients who identified as being of Mixed or Other race had significantly higher rates of positive screens (p = 0.032) compared to Caucasians, African Americans, and Asians. Patients were more likely to report SDOH needs during in-person visits (17.22%) compared to telehealth visits (p = 0.020). Screening for SDOH needs is feasible and sustainable and can improve the identification of SDOH needs and resource referrals. A limitation of this project was the lack of follow-up to determine whether patients with positive SDOH screens had been successfully linked to resources after initial referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy J Zhang
- Dept. of Family & Community Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Katherine Fornili
- Dept. of Family & Community Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing (Retired), Baltimore, MD USA
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47
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Raja S, Rabinowitz EP, Sayer MA, da Fonseca M. Patient comfort discussing sensitive behavioral health topics. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE 2023; 16:239-244. [PMID: 37859460 DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2022.2152228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Following implementation of routine screening for depression in primary care, screening for other behavioral health issues is expanding. However, prior to implementing additional screening it is important to consider patient comfort answering sensitive questions related to behavioral health topics to determine screening acceptability and effectiveness. METHODS : A self-report survey was completed by U.S. adults over the age of 18 (n = 378) using Amazon Mechanical Turk. The survey assessed comfort discussing demographics, physical health, behavioral health, oral health, and living conditions with medical providers. Comfort levels of behavioral health topics were compared to comfort discussing depression symptoms and reasons for discomfort discussing topics were also surveyed. RESULTS : There were significant differences in comfort level discussing various behavioral health issues (F(8) = 51.70, P < .001). Participants reported being more comfortable discussing cigarette smoking and less comfortable discussing trauma, intimate partner violence (IPV) and gun ownership compared to depression. Privacy and perceived irrelevance were the most common reasons for discomfort. CONCLUSIONS : Accurate indices of patient behavioral health are essential for patient care. However, patients may be uncomfortable discussing some topics such as trauma, IPV, and gun ownership that patients view as private and/or unrelated to their treatment. Patient comfort may increase through provider trainings that focus on communication skills training, clear administrative procedures that allow for privacy and adequate time for discussions, and community education that underscores how these issues impact physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheela Raja
- Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emily P Rabinowitz
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - MacKenzie A Sayer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Marcio da Fonseca
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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48
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Courtepatte A, Dugan E, Pino EC. Differences in Risks for Recurrent Injury and Death Among Survivors of Violence by Homeless Status. J Urban Health 2023; 100:972-983. [PMID: 37747650 PMCID: PMC10618134 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-023-00781-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
A better understanding of the unique risks for survivors of violence experiencing homelessness could enable more effective intervention methods. The aim of this study was to quantify the risks of death and reinjury for unhoused compared to housed survivors of violent injuries. This retrospective study included a cohort of patients with known housing status presenting to the Boston Medical Center Emergency Department between 2009 and 2018 with a violent penetrating injury. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the risks of all-cause mortality and violent reinjury. Of the 2330 patients included for analysis, 415 (17.8%) were unhoused at the time of index injury. Within 3 years of the index injury, there were 319 (13.9%) violent reinjuries and 55 (2.4%) deaths. Unhoused patients were more likely than housed patients to be violently reinjured by all causes (HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.06-1.83, p = 0.02), by stab wound (HR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.33-4.11, p = 0.0003), and by blunt assault (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.05-2.21, p = 0.03). Housed and unhoused patients were equally likely to die within 3 years of their index injury; however, unhoused patients were at greater risk of dying by homicide (HR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.34-6.25, p = 0.006) or by a drug/alcohol overdose (HR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.17-6.94, p = 0.02). In addition to the already high risks that all survivors of violence have for recurrent injuries, unhoused survivors of violence are at even greater risk for violent reinjury and death and fatal drug/alcohol overdose. Securing stable housing for survivors of violence experiencing homelessness, and connecting them with addiction treatment, is essential for mitigating these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Courtepatte
- Violence Intervention Advocacy Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Elizabeth Dugan
- Violence Intervention Advocacy Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Pino
- Violence Intervention Advocacy Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 800 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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Russell LE, Cohen AJ, Chrzas S, Halladay CW, Kennedy MA, Mitchell K, Moy E, Lehmann LS. Implementing a Social Needs Screening and Referral Program Among Veterans: Assessing Circumstances & Offering Resources for Needs (ACORN). J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:2906-2913. [PMID: 37165261 PMCID: PMC10171907 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system routinely screens Veterans for food insecurity, housing instability, and intimate partner violence, but does not systematically screen for other health-related social needs (HRSNs). OBJECTIVES To (1) develop a process for systematically identifying and addressing Veterans' HRSNs, (2) determine reported prevalence of HRSNs, and (3) assess the acceptability of HRSN screening among Veterans. DESIGN "Assessing Circumstances and Offering Resources for Needs" (ACORN) is a Veteran-tailored HRSN screening and referral quality improvement initiative. Veterans were screened via electronic tablet for nine HRSNs (food, housing, utilities, transportation, legal needs, social isolation, interpersonal violence, employment, and education) and provided geographically tailored resource guides for identified needs. Two-week follow-up interviews with a purposive sample of Veterans explored screening experiences. PARTICIPANTS Convenience sample of Veterans presenting for primary care at a VA urban women's health clinic and suburban community-based outpatient clinic (October 2019-May 2020). MAIN MEASURES Primary outcomes included prevalence of HRSNs, Veteran-reported acceptability of screening, and use of resources guides. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and rapid qualitative analysis. KEY RESULTS Of 268 Veterans screened, 50% reported one or more HRSNs. Social isolation was endorsed most frequently (29%), followed by educational needs (19%), interpersonal violence (12%), housing instability (9%), and utility concerns (7%). One in five Veterans reported at least one form of material hardship. In follow-up interviews (n = 15), Veterans found screening acceptable and felt VA should continue screening. No Veterans interviewed had contacted recommended resources at two-week follow-up, although several planned to use resource guides in the future. CONCLUSION In a VA HRSN screening and referral program, Veterans frequently reported HRSNs, felt screening was important, and thought VA should continue to screen for these needs. Screening for HRSNs is a critical step towards connecting patients with services, identifying gaps in service delivery, and informing future resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Russell
- Office of Health Equity, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Alicia J Cohen
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), VA Providence Healthcare System, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Steven Chrzas
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christopher W Halladay
- VA Health Services Research & Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), VA Providence Healthcare System, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Meaghan A Kennedy
- New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kathleen Mitchell
- New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Ernest Moy
- Office of Health Equity, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lisa Soleymani Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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50
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Beidler LB, Colvin JD, Winterer CM, Fraze TK. Addressing Social Needs in Clinical Settings: Early Lessons from Accountable Health Communities. Popul Health Manag 2023; 26:283-293. [PMID: 37824818 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2023.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently adopted quality metrics that require hospitals to screen for health-related social risks. The hope is that these requirements will encourage health care organizations to refer patients with social needs to community resources and, as possible, offer navigation services. This approach-screening, referrals, and navigation-is based, in part, on the Accountable Health Communities (AHC) model. Twenty-two of 31 participants in the AHC model in 2019 were interviewed to generate guidance for health care organizations as they implement screening, referral, and navigation activities to improve patients' health-related social risks. From these interviews, the team identified 4 key program design elements that facilitated AHC implementation: (1) centralized management office, (2) accountability milestones, (3) prescriptive requirements, and (4) technology support. The structure and requirements of the AHC model spurred participating organizations to rapidly implement social care activities, but the model did not allow for the flexibility necessary to ensure sustained adoption of AHC activities. The AHC model required a designated centralized management office, which was instrumental in ensuring AHC activities were implemented effectively. The centralized management office was typically external from participating clinical sites that impacted the AHC model's integration within clinical workflows. The reliance on the centralized management office to implement AHC activities limited the sustainability of the model. As payers, policymakers, and delivery system leaders aim to develop sustainable and effective social care programs, insights from these interviews can help guide and shape policy and program design elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Beidler
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jeffery D Colvin
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Courtney M Winterer
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Taressa K Fraze
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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