WIP 93 - Pilot Results of a Social Determinant of Health (SDOH) Screening and Remote Intervention Program for the Pediatric Emergency Department

Poster Number: WIP 93
Publication Number: WIP 93.940

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH), including food insecurity, housing instability and exposure to violence, can have significant impacts on children’s immediate and long-term health outcomes. In the University of Missouri Healthcare System, these determinants are screened for and addressed in the pediatric primary care setting through a program entitled “Tigers Connect”. However, many families struggling with SDOH rely on emergency departments (EDs) rather than primary care for their children’s healthcare needs. Few programs screening for and addressing multiple domains of SDOH exist in the pediatric ED setting.

Objective: To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an ED-based framework for screening and addressing SDOH, and to assess for family demographic characteristics predictive of program outcomes, as well as caregiver satisfaction with the program.

Design/Methods: This prospective cohort study assessed 11 domains of SDOH for families presenting to the ED with a child under age 18 during an 8-week pilot study. SDOH included food scarcity, housing instability, lack of childcare, health care, utilities, transportation, literacy, healthy relationships, safety concerns, tobacco and drug use. The SDOH assessment was conducted with an online validated screening tool that was presented to caregivers during their child’s ED visit. Families who screened positive for a SDOH and requested resource assistance were contacted remotely (i.e. text, phone call) and provided community services to meet their specific needs. Examples of such services included Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application assistance programs and Medicaid enrollment organizations. A chi-square test will be used to identify family demographic factors associated with positive SDOH screens and family requests for resource assistance. An anonymous survey will be sent to caregivers who participated in the program 2 months following participation to assess their satisfaction with the program and how well their needs were addressed. The University of Missouri IRB approved this study.