The WE CARE screening tool is a valuable resource for identifying and addressing poverty and its associated social determinants of health (SDoH) in families. SDoH encompass the conditions in which people live, work, and age, significantly impacting health disparities. WE CARE offers a practical approach to understanding and mitigating these factors.
Understanding the WE CARE Screening Tool
The WE CARE tool consists of two primary components: a survey and community resource information sheets. Optionally, clinics can incorporate support staff like patient navigators.
The WE CARE Survey: Identifying Unmet Needs
The WE CARE survey identifies unmet social needs, such as food insecurity, housing instability, and lack of childcare, through direct questions. Crucially, it employs a family-centered approach, asking if families want assistance with identified needs. This respects individual autonomy and avoids assumptions about desired interventions. The response options—”Yes,” “No,” and “Maybe Later”—allow families to engage with support services at their own pace. Those indicating a need for assistance receive relevant community resource information.
Community Resource Information Sheets: Connecting Families with Support
Community Resource Information Sheets provide essential contact information for local resources addressing specific needs identified in the WE CARE survey. These sheets are tailored to each clinic’s location, ensuring relevance and accessibility.
Two common methods for managing these resources are:
1. WE CARE Family Resource Book: A physical binder organized by need category, containing multiple copies of each information sheet. This allows immediate access to resources during clinic visits.
2. EHR Integration: Integrating resource information into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) allows for efficient printing and tracking of provided resources.
Regular review and updating of these resources (at least every six months) is crucial to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
Optional Support Staff: Enhancing the Impact of WE CARE
Integrating support staff, such as patient navigators, can significantly enhance the WE CARE model. These professionals provide personalized guidance, assisting families in overcoming barriers to accessing community resources. Their role might include regular meetings, application support, and even accompaniment to service providers.
Implementing WE CARE Successfully: Key Considerations
Successful implementation of the WE CARE screening tool requires a multifaceted approach:
1. Clinic-Wide Buy-In:
Securing support from all clinic staff, from leadership to front-line personnel, is essential for sustainable implementation. Education on the importance of addressing SDoH is key to fostering buy-in.
2. Process Commitment and Flexibility:
Establish clear roles and workflows for administering the survey, discussing results, and providing resources. Remain adaptable and willing to adjust processes based on feedback and encountered challenges.
3. Patient Feedback:
Actively solicit and incorporate patient feedback to optimize the WE CARE model for the specific needs of the clinic’s population. This ensures relevance and effectiveness.
4. Persistence:
Implementing change takes time and effort. Maintain consistent efforts and remember the significant positive impact WE CARE can have on families’ health and well-being.
Conclusion
The WE CARE screening tool offers a practical and impactful method for addressing poverty and related social determinants of health. By identifying unmet needs and connecting families with essential resources, WE CARE empowers clinics to provide comprehensive care that extends beyond traditional medical services. Implementing this tool with a commitment to continuous improvement can significantly improve the lives of vulnerable families.
