RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Families’ Perspectives on Social Services Navigation After Pediatric Urgent Care
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP jabfm.2023.230232R2
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2023.230232R2
A1 Aronstam, Alison
A1 Velazquez, Denisse
A1 Wing, Holly
A1 Hessler, Danielle
A1 Keeton, Victoria F.
A1 Sokal-Gutierrez, Karen
A1 Gottlieb, Laura M.
YR 2024
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/early/2024/06/27/jabfm.2023.230232R2.abstract
AB Background: Interest is growing in clinic-based programs that screen for and intervene on patients’ social risk factors, including housing, food, and transportation. Though several studies suggest these programs can positively impact health, few examine the mechanisms underlying these effects. This study explores pathways through which identifying and intervening on social risks can impact families’ health.Methods: This qualitative study was embedded in a randomized clinical trial that examined the health impacts of participation in a social services navigation program. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 English or Spanish-speaking caregivers of pediatric patients who had participated in the navigation program. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Caregivers described 3 pathways through which the navigation program affected overall child and/or caregiver health: 1) increasing families’ knowledge of and access to social services; 2) helping families connect with health care services; and 3) providing emotional support that reduced caregiver isolation and anxiety. Participants suggested that navigation programs can influence health even when they do not directly impact resource access.Discussion: Social care programs may impact health through multiple potential pathways. Program impacts seem to be mediated by the extent to which programs increase knowledge of and access to social and health care services and support positive relationships between families and program personnel.