Screening for social determinants of health in a pediatric respiratory clinic

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and early outcomes of a locally developed screening tool to identify social determinants of health (SDOH) in a pediatric respiratory clinic. 

METHODS: An interdisciplinary SDOH working group in the Division of Respiratory Medicine at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto formed consensus on a 10-question tool addressing SDOH that was embedded into the electronic health record system (Epic) in outpatient clinics. Health care providers were trained to address these questions with caregivers of patients attending clinics over 3 months (February to April 2023). A positive screen result on the SDOH questionnaire was actioned with a social work referral for further evaluation and resource navigation. 

RESULTS: Within the study period, 320 families were approached and 98% (n = 313) agreed to participate. Of these, 69/313 (22%) were referred to social work and 35/69 (50%) had an active intervention. 

CONCLUSION: There are high levels of unmet social needs in ambulatory clinics underscoring the importance of addressing SDOH and providing support to children and their caregivers.