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Provider perspectives on screening for social determinants of health in pediatric settings: A qualitative study

R.L. Sokol, J. Ammer, S.F. Stein, P. Trout, L. Mohammed, A.L. Miller
J Pediatr Health Care

Introduction: Pediatric settings often screen children and/or caregivers for social determinants of health (SDH) needs. Although SDH awareness rose with COVID, questions remain regarding best practices for SDH screening in pediatric settings.

Method: We assessed pediatric providers' perspectives on integrating SDH screening into patient care. Semistructured interviews were conducted with providers (n = 13) from 10 clinics. Interviews were transcribed, and themes were analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results: Themes highlighted providers' awareness of structural limitations to address social needs identified by screening; implementation concerns; the unique role of pediatric providers for child health and well-being; provider comfort with assessing patients' social needs; patient considerations; the importance of relational health between pediatric providers and families, and between providers and community supports for effective screening; and unintended consequences.

Discussion: Pediatric providers endorse the need for SDH screening, but barriers in pediatric settings may hamper the process and reduce efficacy.

Sokol RL, Ammer J, Stein SF, Trout P, Mohammed L, Miller AL. Provider perspectives on screening for social determinants of health in pediatric settings: a qualitative study. J Pediatr Health Care. 2021 Sep 11:S0891-5245(21)00192-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2021.08.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34521572.

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Publication year
Resource type
Peer Reviewed Research
Outcomes
Process
Population
Health Care Professionals
Screening research
Yes
Social Determinant of Health
Not Specified
Study design
Other Study Design
Keywords