Understanding and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) is crucial for improving community well-being. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) developed a data-driven assessment tool to help. This article explores the “Data to Care” initiative, its standardized SDOH screening questions, and the impact on public health.
NCDHHS’s Standardized SDOH Screening Tool
Recognizing the need for a consistent approach to SDOH, NCDHHS collaborated with stakeholders to create a standardized set of screening questions. These questions cover four key domains:
- Food Insecurity: Two questions adapted from the validated Hunger Vital Sign tool assess food insecurity.
- Housing Instability: Three questions, modified from the Protocol for Responding to Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE) tool, identify individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of housing loss.
- Lack of Transportation: One question, also adapted from PRAPARE, addresses transportation barriers.
- Interpersonal Safety: Three questions, adapted from PRAPARE and the Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, and Kick (HARK) questionnaire, screen for intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and child abuse.
Development and Implementation of the Tool
The screening tool emerged from a rigorous design process involving extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and field testing. A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of experts ensured the questions aligned with best practices and existing validated tools.
Field tests across various clinical settings confirmed the practicality and effectiveness of the questions. Feedback from patients and clinic staff demonstrated ease of understanding and overall comfort levels.
NCDHHS released a policy paper outlining the rationale and implementation strategy for the screening tool. The Department encouraged widespread adoption across healthcare and human services settings.
Data to Care: Transforming SDOH Screening into Action
The standardized screening questions are a cornerstone of the “Data to Care” approach. By consistently collecting data on unmet health-related needs, health departments can:
- Identify Community Needs: Pinpoint specific SDOH challenges prevalent in different populations.
- Inform Resource Allocation: Direct resources and services to address identified needs effectively.
- Track Progress and Impact: Monitor the effectiveness of interventions and track improvements in health outcomes.
- Strengthen Collaboration: Facilitate data sharing and collaboration among healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations.
Benefits of a Standardized Approach
Utilizing a standardized data to care assessment tool provides several benefits for health departments:
- Improved Data Quality: Consistent data collection enables more accurate analysis and reporting.
- Enhanced Comparability: Standardized data allows for meaningful comparisons across different populations and geographic areas.
- Increased Efficiency: Streamlined screening processes save time and resources.
- Better Care Coordination: Facilitates coordinated care and referrals to appropriate resources.
Conclusion
The NCDHHS data to care assessment tool empowers health departments to systematically address SDOH. By leveraging standardized screening questions and a data-driven approach, communities can better understand and respond to the social factors impacting health. This initiative promises to significantly improve the well-being of North Carolinians. The data gathered through this tool can be utilized to inform policy changes, program development, and resource allocation to effectively address social determinants of health and improve health outcomes for all. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a commitment to moving from data to action, ultimately transforming care and creating healthier communities.
