WIP 96 - Pediatric Physician Knowledge and Utilization of Health-Promoting Community Resources for Addressing SDOH: A Needs Assessment Survey

Poster Number: WIP 96
Publication Number: WIP 96.2591

Background: Addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) through connecting patients to community resources is crucial in preventing and managing chronic conditions. Patient referrals and follow-up are vital steps to address SDOH-related needs with community resource programs (Fig.1). A literature review found only four studies that analyzed healthcare provider confidence and knowledge in facilitating connections to community health-enabling services, a primary step in tackling SDOH concerns.

Objective: The Community Resources survey is a needs assessment survey working to gain insight into pediatricians’ confidence in referring to and educating patients about community resources such as housing resources, food services, employment services, financial assistance, and transportation services. We hope to identify gaps in the steps between a positive SDOH screening and utilization of available community resources by patients.

Design/Methods: Survey question development involved a systematic review of the current literature supplemented by feedback from experts. Questions were developed in Qualtrics, which allowed for secure and anonymous collection of survey results. The University of Texas Health Science Center Committee for Protection of Human Subjects approved this study as a quality improvement study (QI Project No. 2023-1879). Inclusion criteria was practicing pediatricians and pediatrics resident or fellow physicians throughout the Houston area. Data collection started in mid-September and will conclude at the end of November 2023. Data analysis using statistical analysis software will be completed by the end of January 2024. The surveys were distributed via link or QR code to Houston pediatric physicians through faculty and resident/fellow physician listservs at the major pediatric institutions in Houston, presentation of information at resident and faculty meetings, and distribution to large private pediatrics practices.