Screening Practices of Healthcare Providers for Patients' Social Determinants of Health

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have demonstrated the link between inequities in social determinants of health (SDoH) and poor health outcomes. Healthcare providers are integral to the identification of SDoH-related risks and serve as key contributors to both health protection and promotion.

OBJECTIVE: To examine healthcare providers' SDoH-related screening practices and potential barriers and facilitators to effective screening.

METHODS: We analyzed survey data from 70 healthcare providers across Northern Ontario on their screening practices of their patient's SDoH using a Likert-style survey with optional comments on Qualtrics.

RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of participants were nurses, with the majority working in acute care (25%) in the North West Local Health Integration Network (95%). Overall, 75% of participants stated they were taught about SDoH in their education; however, they did not necessarily know where to refer patients for assistance should there be a need, nor how to screen. Fifty-eight percent said screening for SDoH was part of their employment, however only 57% felt they had enough time to complete the screening. Twenty-one percent stated they did not have a standardized assessment tool to use nor a specific time to complete the assessment. Sixty-eight percent said they feel moral distress over screening for SDoH, given the lack of resources or time to complete the assessment. The majority (82%) of referrals for SDoH were to Social Work.

CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers recognize that screening for SDoH is crucial. However, participants felt there was insufficient time to screen and lacked a streamlined way to assess and document the screening. Our results suggest the need for standardized ways to assess for SDoH, such as on admission and using electronic health records.