An Examination of Stakeholder-Driven Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tools in Medical Care Delivery

Abstract

The growing recognition that social risk factors influence individual and population health has generated stakeholder support in the promotion of health equity, bridging partnerships across health care, public health, and social service sectors. The integration of social care into health care delivery requires routine screening to identify and address health-related social needs (HRSN). Screening tools must be short, accessible, and inclusive and accurately reflect potential risks to prioritize tailored interventions. However, HRSNs are also sensitive and can prompt additional ethical concerns when integrated with clinical practice in medical care. This paper examines the psychometric properties of three stakeholder-driven HRSN screening tools to identify adverse, unmet risks among oncology patients. Further research is needed to ensure social needs initiatives protect sensitive social data in electronic health records and that patients with complex medical and social needs receive comprehensive resources through targeted service connections.