Social Needs Screening Protocol for Child Health
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new approach to determine if screening for social needs can improve care for hospitalized children. The focus is on kids in a pediatric ward, and researchers aim to discover if identifying social issues, like access to food or housing, can impact their health outcomes. Two groups will be compared: one before the screening begins and one after. The trial seeks caregivers of children hospitalized in the Transitional Care Unit at Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco who speak English or Spanish. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance pediatric care.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants must stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this social needs screening protocol is safe for children?
Research shows that checking for social needs in children is safe and helpful. For example, one study found that many families felt comfortable with the process. In that study, about 61.6% of families completed the screening, indicating it was generally well-received.
Another study examined various tools used to assess social factors affecting health, such as access to housing and food. These tools help identify risks early and guide care, potentially preventing health problems later.
Overall, no major negative effects have been reported from these screenings, suggesting they safely identify and address social issues affecting children's health.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how addressing social needs can improve child health outcomes. Unlike traditional treatments that focus solely on medical symptoms, this protocol aims to identify and address broader social factors, like access to food and housing, that can significantly impact a child's well-being. By implementing a structured screening and intervention protocol, researchers hope to uncover the extent to which social determinants of health contribute to pediatric care, potentially paving the way for more holistic approaches in the future.
What evidence suggests that this social needs screening protocol is effective for child health?
Research has shown that checking for social needs in medical settings can improve children's health. For instance, using electronic health records to monitor these needs led to better health outcomes for kids. One study found that almost half of the families reported at least one social need when asked, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues. Addressing social factors, such as access to resources and support, is linked to better health for children. This trial will compare a control group, where caregivers are recruited before implementing the social needs screening protocol, with an intervention group, where caregivers are recruited after implementation. These findings suggest that a system for checking social needs could enhance the health of children in hospitals.13678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Matthew S Pantell, MD, MS
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Francisco
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for English or Spanish speaking adult caregivers (18+ years old) whose children, aged 0-17, are hospitalized in the Transitional Care Unit of Benioff Children's Hospital - San Francisco and are under the care of pediatric residents or advance practice providers.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-implementation Control
Caregivers recruited from the pediatric hospital ward before the social needs screening and intervention protocol is implemented
Intervention Implementation
Development and implementation of a social needs screening and intervention protocol
Post-implementation Intervention
Caregivers recruited from the pediatric hospital ward after the social needs screening and intervention protocol is implemented
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for social and health outcomes after intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Social Needs Screening Protocol
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Francisco
Lead Sponsor
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
Collaborator