Does screening for social determinants of health improve patient outcomes?

Probably. Screening for social determinants of health likely results in positive impacts and results in referrals for services to help with unmet social needs (SOR: B, systematic review of randomized controlled trial and cohort studies). One current practice guideline in this area includes screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) in women of reproductive age, which reduces IPV exposure, reduces depression scores, and improves birth outcomes (SOR: B,evidence-based guideline).