RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Clinician and Patient Perceptions of Social Determinants of Health Screening
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 5667
DO 10.1370/afm.22.s1.5667
VO 21
IS Supplement 3
A1 Udezi, Victoria
A1 Dixon, Juliana
A1 Bonilla, Liliana
YR 2023
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/21/Supplement_3/5667.abstract
AB Context: Health outcomes and disparities are largely a result of social determinants of health (SDOH). Despite endorsement for SDOH screening by multiple medical organizations and public health agencies, this is not a regular practice in many primary care clinics.Objective: Our study aimed to understand patient perspectives on SDOH screening and identify barriers to screening among clinical staff.Study Design and Analysis: We developed two surveys: (1) a clinician survey which assessed knowledge, perceptions, and barriers to SDOH screening, and (2) a patient survey which assessed perceptions and personal experience of SDOH using cross-sectional data.Setting : Surveys were conducted at a family medicine residency clinic primarily serving underserved populations in Dallas County.Population Studied: Clinicians and patients at a family medicine residency clinic in Dallas County.Instrument(s): Clinician surveys were distributed electronically to all health professionals with a 33% response rate. Paper-based patient surveys (available in English and Spanish) were distributed at check in to patients in two phases ; with survey questions rephrased for clarity in Phase 2 (P2) based on feedback from Phase 1(P1).Outcome Measures: The study outcomes were clinician acceptability of screening for SDOH and patients perspectives on screening for SDOH.Results : Among the 26 staff surveyed, 96% agreed it was appropriate to screen for SDOH but only 65% felt comfortable addressing SDOH. Only 46% were familiar with validated SDOH screening tools. Clinicians reported, “lack of time” (39%) and “lack of knowledge” (30%) as the largest barriers.A total of 88 patients (39 in P1 and 49 in P2) were surveyed. Patients in both phases endorsed currently experiencing SDOH (38%; 53%) but few had been asked about them (21%; 35%). The majority of patients said they would like their doctor/clinic to ask about SDOH (51%, 65%) and felt it would positively impact the clinical relationship (41%; 67%). Access to nutritious food (21%; 27%), housing instability (18%; 27%), and transportation (26%; 22%) were the most frequent SDOH needs identified.Conclusion: The prevalence of SDOH needs within our clinic population justifies routine screening. Further, both clinicians and patients feel positively about SDOH screening but clinician knowledge remains a barrier. Future efforts will focus on improving clinician knowledge and making assistance with SDOH more readily available.