Screening for Social Drivers of Health: What Role Providers Play and Addressing Needs To Improve Patient Care

Summary

Published Date: March 08, 2025

In this seminar, the author presented information on substance use disorders and the need for care providers to screen patients with substance use issues for social drivers of health to improve care. AskCHISTM was recommended as a resource of data that could improve providers' awareness of health risks and needs of populations in the community.

After identifying social drivers of health (SDOH) barriers, providers could tailor care, such as by making sure appointments are in the appropriate language or are longer for patients with complex needs. Providers could also share information about resources or specific programs to address SDOH-related needs, such as counselors to help with Medicaid enrollment, legal partners to address barriers to housing or benefits, social workers to help with bills or rent.