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Approaches to addressing social determinants of health in the NICU: a mixed methods study

M.G. Parker, A. Garg, A. Brochier, L.M. Rhein, E.S. Forbes, S. Klawetter, M. Drainoni
J Perinatol

Objective: Examine current approaches to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) in the NICU and perceived appropriateness of a standardized screening and referral process. Study design: We performed a mixed methods study in two Massachusetts safety-net NICUs. We examined rates that unmet basic needs were assessed and identified among 601 families. We conducted focus groups with NICU staff to understand current methods to assess unmet basic needs and perceived appropriateness of a standardized SDOH screening and referral process. Result: Except employment (89%), other unmet basic needs were infrequently assessed (housing 38%, food/hunger 7%, childcare 3%, transportation 3%, utilities 0.2%). Staff believed: (1) processes to assess SDOH were not standardized and inconsistently performed/documented; (2) addressing SDOH was important; and (3) using a standardized screening and referral process would be feasible. Conclusions: Current NICU assessment of SDOH is limited and use of a standardized screening and referral process could be useful.

Parker MG, Garg A, Brochier A, et al. Approaches to addressing social determinants of health in the NICU: a mixed methods study. J Perinatol. 2020. doi:10.1038/s41372-020-00867-w

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Publication year
Resource type
Peer Reviewed Research
Outcomes
Process
Social Needs/ SDH
Provider Experience of Care
Population
Children and Youth
Screening research
Yes
Social Determinant of Health
Childcare
Employment
Food/Hunger
Housing Stability
Transportation
Utilities
Study design
Other Study Design