Patient Acceptability of Social Needs Screening at an Ambulatory Prenatal Practice [ID 2683516

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Social determinants of health (SDOH) influence maternal–child health outcomes, but standardized social needs screening for prenatal patients is rare, and obstetric practices lack guidance for implementation and tool selection. Our objective was to evaluate patient acceptability of and preferences for SDOH screening during prenatal care. METHODS: A paper-based patient survey regarding acceptability of SDOH screening was distributed during a pilot of two different validated screening tools at an ambulatory prenatal practice. Pregnant patients were given the survey during prenatal visits. Demographic data were abstracted from chart review. Descriptive analysis was employed to interpret the findings. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients were surveyed. Of these, 67% of patients identified as Black or African American, and 84% had Medicaid or emergency medical assistance. Our patients viewed screening favorably: 82% believed that our team would be able to provide helpful resources, 75% would welcome our assistance if faced with social challenges, and 77% would use resources if provided. Only 11% of patients disagreed that social needs screening was relevant to their prenatal visit. Just 15% of patients preferred the questions to be asked verbally compared to self-administered. CONCLUSION: Social needs screening is acceptable to prenatal patients and can be feasibly self-administered. Patients felt that the SDOH questions were relevant to their care and would be open to resources and referrals if they had social needs. Future goals will be to universalize screening in prenatal practices, identify acceptable screening tools, and ensure social needs are addressed effectively once identified.