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Implementing a Social Determinants of Health Screening Process in the NICU Setting
Kristina A Clark1, Megan E Colwell, Hannah M Lyons
1Care Coordinator Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (Clark, Colwell, Lyons), Chicago IL, Associate Physician Diplomate, UC San Diego School of Medicine and Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego (Dr Voller), San Diego, CA, Elizabeth C. Poster Professor, University of Texas at Arlington, College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Dr Manworren), Arlington, TX, PhD Program Director, University of Texas at Arlington, College of Nursing and Health Innovation (Dr Manworren), Arlington, TX, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University (Dr Manworren), Chicago, IL, Reference & Clinical Services Librarian Department of Clinical and Organizational Development, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (Fawcett), Chicago IL, Attending Neonatologist, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (Dr Murthy), Chicago, IL, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University (Dr Murthy), Chicago, IL, and Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (Dr Murthy), Dover, DE.
Insights
Care coordination effectively addresses social determinants of health (SDoH) for premature infants. Consistent reassessment by care coordinators connects families to vital resources, improving engagement and health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care coordination
- Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) screening and referral
Background:
- SDoH significantly impact health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations like premature infants.
- Effective screening and referral are crucial for addressing SDoH in high-risk neonatal populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effectiveness of care coordination (CC) in enhancing social determinants of health (SDoH) screening and resource referral in a level IV NICU.
- To assess the impact of CC on connecting families with essential resources and improving health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study of infants enrolled in CC in 2022.
- Assessed completion rates of SDoH screenings, resource referrals, and subsequent outcomes.
- Focused on the role of CC staff in SDoH assessment and support.
Main Results:
- Only 28% of SDoH screenings were completed within 24 hours of admission; however, 96% were reassessed by CC.
- Top resources provided included care advisors, family services, and financial assistance.
- Connection rates to referred resources ranged from 81% to 91%.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal CC is vital for understanding and supporting family SDoH needs.
- Flexible and early SDoH screening, coupled with CC reassessment, improves resource connection and engagement.
- Ongoing CC support reduces barriers, builds trust, and fosters better health outcomes for NICU infants and families.
Objective:
This study examines care coordination (CC) in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to enhance social determinants of health (SDoH) screening and resource referral.
Background:
SDoH influence health outcomes, especially for high-risk populations such as premature infants.
Methods:
This retrospective descriptive study of infants enrolled in CC in 2022 assessed completion of SDoH screenings, resource referrals, and outcomes.
Results:
Only 28% of SDoH screenings were completed within 24 hours of admission, but 96% were reassessed by CC. The most frequently offered resources were care advisors, family services, and financial assistance, with 81% to 91% connection to resources.
Conclusions:
Longitudinal contact between CC staff and families is critical to understanding and supporting SDoH. This study underscores the importance of mindful and flexible SDoH screening early in the admission process. Reassessing SDoH through dedicated CC can effectively connect families to needed resources, improving engagement and health outcomes. In addition, providing follow-up care coordination support is critical to reducing barriers and fostering trust between families and healthcare systems.
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