Utilizing a Tailored Approach to Standardized Screening of Health-Related Social Needs

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.