Strengthening health system-community partnerships to address pediatric social needs: A qualitative study

Introduction: Structural and social conditions influence pediatric health outcomes. Successful implementation of social needs screening and referral programs depends on community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide resources that address health-related social needs (HRSN). We explored current practices and perspectives of health care workers and CBO representatives on improving health system-CBO partnerships.MethodsParticipants were purposively recruited from a variety of health care settings involved in HRSN screening and CBOs delivering resources in the community. Participants completed semi-structured interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to summarize data.

Results: Ten key informants participated (six health care workers and four CBO representatives). Four themes were identified: 1) mismatches in demand, resources and eligibility challenge the provision of resources, 2) financial limitations threaten sustainability and need for vetting resources, 3) fostering relationships as a key facilitator in screening and resource delivery, and 4) barriers hamper follow-through and tracking referral outcomes. Recommendations for fostering partnership were also summarized.

Conclusions: Participants described systemic challenges in addressing HRSN. They recommended cultivating relationships between pediatric health systems and CBO partners who understand and advocate for their communities' needs and agendas. Shared goals include improving efficiency and cross-sector communication, defining and measuring outcomes, and demonstrating return on investment for non-medical interventions to enhance sustainability to programming addressing HRSN.