A standardized protocol for assessing and addressing social determinants of health

BACKGROUND: Assessing and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is essential to improving patient outcomes and reducing health care costs. 

PROBLEM: Although SDOH screening tools exist, many health care organizations lack a standardized process for assessing and addressing social needs. 

APPROACH: A structured process was developed to increase SDOH screenings, social work referrals, and reimbursement. This included an organizational assessment, selection of an evidence-based screening tool, protocol development, and implementation using the Plan-Do-Study-Act framework. 

OUTCOMES: To review the outcomes of implementing a standardized process for addressing SDOH, a quality improvement project at a primary care clinic was reviewed showing improvement in screenings, referrals, and reimbursements for billable screenings. 

CONCLUSION: Implementing a standardized SDOH protocol can improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary health care visits, and increase reimbursements for organizations. Continued evaluation is needed.