Survey Finds Variable Social Risk Screening and Referral Practices in Pediatric Hospitals

A cross-sectional survey published in Pediatrics examined social risk screening and referral practices among hospitals caring for children. Conducted through the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Settings Network from August to November 2023, it collected responses from one clinical leader per institution. Of 96 hospitals contacted, 77 responded (80.2%). The survey assessed screening processes, tools, referral systems, data tracking, and barriers to social care.

Overall, 66.7% of hospitals reported screening for social risks in some capacity, most commonly through nurses. The abstract reports that 21.9% used a published screening tool and 12.5% used internally developed questions. Food insecurity was the most frequently screened domain (91.9%); none reported screening for legal needs. Most hospitals had systems for referrals to in-hospital (98.4%) and out-of-hospital (96.8%) services, primarily using social work consultations and printed handouts.

Fewer than 10% partnered with community-based organizations. Fewer than 45% of screening hospitals had referral-tracking systems, and only 2.5% collected patient health care use data. Staffing was the most frequently cited screening barrier. These findings identify gaps in screening consistency and referral monitoring, but the cross-sectional, self-reported survey does not establish whether screening or referrals improved patient outcomes. The authors suggest standardized policies and support mechanisms may promote more equitable social care; full-text details were unavailable for this assessment.