Comparing Patient-Centered Approaches to Social Care in the Emergency Department: A Mixed-Method Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Social determinants of health
• Emergency medicine
• Health services research

Background:

• Emergency departments (EDs) are crucial for social care delivery.
• Limited guidance exists for implementing social care within ED settings.
• Caregiver perspectives on social care are vital for effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• Compare different social care approaches in the ED.
• Understand caregiver perspectives on social care delivery.
• Evaluate the impact of social risk screening versus resource menus on resource desire.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of a mixed-method randomized controlled trial.
• Compared social risk screening, resource menus, and no assessment for pediatric ED patients.
• Utilized surveys and thematic analysis of interviews with caregivers.

Main Results:

• The resource menu arm showed a higher desire for resources (39.6%) than the screening arm (31.7%).
• Resource engagement increased with the number of desired resource domains (OR 2.6).
• Caregivers recommended maintaining situational awareness, clear communication, and longitudinal follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Offering resources directly is more effective than screening for risk in EDs.
• A tiered social care model prioritizing patient preferences is supported.
• This model includes universal electronic resources, tailored assistance, and navigation based on desire.