Developing an Approach to Health-Related Social Needs Screening Across Settings in a Pediatric Health System

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Health Equity
• Pediatric Healthcare

Background:

• Health-related social needs (HRSNs) screening is expanding in healthcare settings.
• New regulatory requirements from CMS and The Joint Commission mandate HRSN screening and response.
• Lack of guidelines for organizational alignment in pediatric healthcare systems presents a gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a pediatric academic medical center's strategy for aligning HRSN screening and response.
• To provide a roadmap for other health systems to implement and coordinate HRSN initiatives.
• To enhance patient experience and service delivery for patients with identified HRSNs.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary team reviewed evidence and inventoried current HRSN screening and response practices.
• The team identified opportunities for system-wide alignment.
• An implementation strategy was developed, including screening, response, workflow, and training guidance.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive approach to organizational alignment of HRSN screening and response was developed.
• The strategy addresses fundamental screening and response, workflow, and training.
• This model can guide other institutions in meeting new health equity requirements.

Conclusions:

• Organizational alignment is crucial for effective HRSN screening and response implementation.
• A systematic, multidisciplinary approach can create a roadmap for health systems.
• This strategy supports compliance with new health equity regulations and improves patient care.