Screening for Social Needs in Healthcare

Health systems are now screening for social needs that affect health outcomes. But how do patients fare in this process? A recent study looked into this question.

In a 22-state health system, researchers analyzed data from over 1.8 million adults who were eligible for screening. They found that nearly 37% of these patients were 65 years or older.

The study aimed to identify characteristics associated with screening completion, positivity, and assistance requests. To do this, they used statistical methods to analyze the data.

The results showed that certain patient characteristics were linked to screening completion. For instance, patients with lower incomes and those who were homeless were less likely to complete the screening.

The study also found that patients with higher HRSN burdens were more likely to request assistance. This suggests that patients with more social needs may require additional support to address these needs.

These findings highlight the importance of addressing social needs in healthcare. By understanding which patients are most in need, healthcare providers can tailor their services to better meet these needs.