Lessons from Texas: Social care activities in four community health centers

We explored how four Community Health Centers (CHCs) in Texas collect and use social data both to provide patients social assistance and to inform clinical care. Our initial intention was to observe clinic activities in person and to meet with clinicians, staff, and patients on site. As a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, however, we converted the study to be 100% remote by eliminating clinic observations and making all interviews virtual. We also had the unique opportunity to assess the impact of the pandemic on social care activities.