Margaret G Parker1, Arvin Garg2, Annelise Brochier2, Lawrence M Rhein3, Emma S Forbes4, Susanne Klawetter5, Mari-Lynn Drainoni6,7. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. Margaret.parker@bmc.org. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. 3. Department of Pediatrics, UMass Memorial Healthcare, UMass Memorial Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. 4. Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. 5. School of Social Work, Portland State University, Portland, OR, USA. 6. Section of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. 7. Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Examine current approaches to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) in the NICU and perceived appropriateness of a standardized screening and referral process. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a mixed methods study in two Massachusetts safety-net NICUs. We examined rates that unmet basic needs were assessed and identified among 601 families. We conducted focus groups with NICU staff to understand current methods to assess unmet basic needs and perceived appropriateness of a standardized SDOH screening and referral process. RESULT: Except employment (89%), other unmet basic needs were infrequently assessed (housing 38%, food/hunger 7%, childcare 3%, transportation 3%, utilities 0.2%). Staff believed: (1) processes to assess SDOH were not standardized and inconsistently performed/documented; (2) addressing SDOH was important; and (3) using a standardized screening and referral process would be feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Current NICU assessment of SDOH is limited and use of a standardized screening and referral process could be useful.
OBJECTIVE: Examine current approaches to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) in the NICU and perceived appropriateness of a standardized screening and referral process. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a mixed methods study in two Massachusetts safety-net NICUs. We examined rates that unmet basic needs were assessed and identified among 601 families. We conducted focus groups with NICU staff to understand current methods to assess unmet basic needs and perceived appropriateness of a standardized SDOH screening and referral process. RESULT: Except employment (89%), other unmet basic needs were infrequently assessed (housing 38%, food/hunger 7%, childcare 3%, transportation 3%, utilities 0.2%). Staff believed: (1) processes to assess SDOH were not standardized and inconsistently performed/documented; (2) addressing SDOH was important; and (3) using a standardized screening and referral process would be feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Current NICU assessment of SDOH is limited and use of a standardized screening and referral process could be useful.