Table 2.

Rationale(s) Provided for Social Screening

First Author (Year)Findings
Key Quantitative Findings
Rogers (2020)79% of participants agreed that their health system should use social needs information to improve care for patients

  • Females more likely to agree than males (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5, 2.0)

  • Black participants (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.7, 3.2) and Hispanic participants (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1, 3.0) more likely to agree than White participants

  • Participants who completed some college or vocational school were less likely to agree than participants with less than a high school education (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 1.4, 3.1); participants who completed college or additional schooling were more likely to agree (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4, 3.1)

  • No differences by social needs or age

Key Qualitative Findings
Wylie (2012)Some participants expressed that social screening could improve patient-provider relationships
Few participants expressed that their health clinic is a safe space where participants could receive confidential help
Hamity (2018)Most participants believed social screening data can be used to improve patient care
Participants believed assessments need to lead to action
Byhoff (2019)Participants expressed that social screening can be used to improve patient care and make them feel supported
Participants expressed that health care settings are safe places to discuss social needs but that health care teams should not be expected to resolve social problems
Byhoff (2020)Participants believed social screening can enhance whole-person care
Emengo (2020)Participants expressed that social screening can provide a safe space for expression and make them feel supported
Spain (2021)Participants believed the clinic is a convenient, nonstigmatizing place to discuss social needs

  • Abbreviations: OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence interval.