Surveillance and screening for social determinants of health-where do we start and where are we headed?

Identifying and addressing the social determinants of health (SDH) and basic social needs among children and their families could yield significant improvements in population health. A visit with a pediatric clinician may be the only opportunity that many families have for their health-related social needs to be identified and addressed comprehensively by a health professional. Through periodic surveillance and screening, pediatric health care teams can help identify and address a broad and growing assortment of health-related social needs that can impact the health and well-being of families. In this commentary, the authors present key considerations for primary care offices and clinics interested in leading the way and moving toward models of care that integrate and address health-related social needs for children and families, as well as assert the need for evidence-based, community-focused comprehensive models for screening, referral, and follow-up that are supported by payment systems that create incentives for addressing SDH.