When it comes to understanding health-related social needs (HRSNs), a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. A recent study in JAMA Network Open highlights this fact, showing that no single tool can capture every patient’s needs accurately. This means that healthcare groups may need to use multiple methods for effective screening.
Social determinants of health, like housing, transportation, and food security, significantly impact health outcomes. Recognizing this, healthcare providers are increasingly screening for these factors. This allows them to connect patients with essential services that can help tackle their social challenges.
Researchers from the Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University explored different methods of screening HRSNs in a group of over 1,200 patients from Indiana between January 2022 and June 2023. They compared questionnaires, natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and rule-based approaches.
Surprisingly, questionnaires came out on top. They had a strong track record for predicting which patients would benefit from social services. However, they weren’t perfect. Issues arose especially when identifying housing instability and financial stress.
The NLP method showed promise but struggled because healthcare providers often don’t document HRSNs unless prompted. As a result, this tech-based method lacked the necessary data to provide reliable insights.
Machine learning showed sensitivity but performed poorly overall. The researchers suggested combining it with questionnaires in a two-stage screening process. This strategy could make screening more efficient, especially in busy healthcare settings.
Interestingly, the study also found potential biases in screening results. Patients’ needs were sometimes overlooked based on age and race. This raises important questions about fairness in health care. Organizations must ensure that referral processes are equitable so that all groups receive necessary support.
Ultimately, a mixed-method approach to screening for HRSNs may be the best path forward. By combining the strengths of different methods, healthcare organizations can better understand and address the social needs affecting their patients.
It’s vital for these insights to influence how healthcare is delivered, ensuring that every individual can access the support they need for better health outcomes.
