Alpha 2.0
Login Register
» Articles » PMID: 39504474

The Role of Routine and Structured Social Needs Data Collection in Improving Care in US Hospitals

Overview
Journal J Am Med Inform Assoc
Publisher Oxford University Press
Specialty Medical Informatics
Date 2024 Nov 6
PMID 39504474
Authors
Chelsea Richwine
Vaishali Patel
Jordan Everson
Bradley Iott
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Objectives: To understand how health-related social needs (HRSN) data are collected at US hospitals and implications for use.

Materials And Methods: Using 2023 nationally representative survey data on US hospitals (N = 2775), we described hospitals' routine and structured collection and use of HRSN data and examined the relationship between methods of data collection and specific uses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with data collection and use and understand how methods of data collection relate to use.

Results: In 2023, 88% of hospitals collected HRSN data (64% routinely, 72% structured). While hospitals commonly used data for internal purposes (eg, discharge planning, 79%), those that collected data routinely and in a structured format (58%) used data for purposes involving coordination or exchange with other organizations (eg, making referrals, 74%) at higher rates than hospitals that collected data but not routinely or in a non-structured format (eg, 93% vs 67% for referrals, P< .05). In multivariate regression, routine and structured data collection was positively associated with all uses of data examined. Hospital location, ownership, system-affiliation, value-based care participation, and critical access designation were associated with HRSN data collection, but only system-affiliation was consistently (positively) associated with use.

Discussion: While most hospitals screen for social needs, fewer collect data routinely and in a structured format that would facilitate downstream use. Routine and structured data collection was associated with greater use, particularly for secondary purposes.

Conclusion: Routine and structured screening may result in more actionable data that facilitates use for various purposes that support patient care and improve community and population health, indicating the importance of continuing efforts to increase routine screening and standardize HRSN data collection.

Citing Articles

Advancing a learning health system through biomedical and health informatics.

Bakken S J Am Med Inform Assoc. 2024; 32(1):1-2.

PMID: 39680466 PMC: 11648707. DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocae307.

References
1.
Gottlieb L, Fichtenberg C, Alderwick H, Adler N . Social Determinants of Health: What's a Healthcare System to Do?. J Healthc Manag. 2019; 64(4):243-257. DOI: 10.1097/JHM-D-18-00160. View
2.
Popescu I, Fingar K, Cutler E, Guo J, Jiang H . Comparison of 3 Safety-Net Hospital Definitions and Association With Hospital Characteristics. JAMA Netw Open. 2019; 2(8):e198577. PMC: 6686776. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.8577. View
3.
Chatterjee P, Sommers B, Joynt Maddox K . Essential but Undefined - Reimagining How Policymakers Identify Safety-Net Hospitals. N Engl J Med. 2020; 383(27):2593-2595. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMp2030228. View
4.
McHugh M, Kang R, Hasnain-Wynia R . Understanding the safety net: inpatient quality of care varies based on how one defines safety-net hospitals. Med Care Res Rev. 2009; 66(5):590-605. DOI: 10.1177/1077558709334895. View
5.
Matty R, Heckmann R, George E, Barthel A, Suter L, Ross J . Identification of Hospitals That Care for a High Proportion of Patients With Social Risk Factors. JAMA Health Forum. 2022; 2(7):e211323. PMC: 8796989. DOI: 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2021.1323. View