An integrative review of social determinants of health screenings used in primary care settings

Background: There is limited evidence on how to implement social determinants of health (SDH) screenings. Objective: To synthesize recent evidence investigating the implementation of SDH screening in primary care settings. Design: Electronic strategies were used to find articles published between September 2008 and 2018. Articles in the review (N = 15) varied in study design and methodologic rigor, complicating the analysis. Results: Many articles lacked specification on who administered the screening, where the screening was administered, and resource referral rates. The majority of the screenings were administered during the clinic visit by a medical provider. The four primary SDH domains assessed were income, housing stability, education, and employment status. Conclusion: More specific implementation research is needed on the best way for providers to screen for SDH in addition to how screening practices influence resource referrals, resource utilization, and health improvements.