Screening for Social Drivers of Health (SDOH): Why It’s Only the Beginning
Introduction
Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) screening has become a standard practice in many U.S. hospitals, driven by government mandates and accreditation requirements. But is it enough? Screening shines a light on critical non-medical factors influencing health—like housing, food access, and financial stability—but without actionable solutions, it can leave clinicians, leaders, and patients frustrated. At Convergence, we believe it’s time to address the bigger question: Where do we go from here?
The Reality of SDOH Screening in U.S. Hospitals
Decades of research have proven that our health is shaped not only by medical care but also by environmental and social factors. Recognizing this, hospitals now routinely screen for SDOH, uncovering unmet needs in their communities. For example:
Individual Impact: A clinician may discover a pregnant patient is homeless, prompting immediate intervention to ensure her safety.
Community Awareness: A hospital CEO may identify housing shortages, leading to strategic investments in local shelter partnerships.
These efforts have spurred progress, with hospitals creating resource lists, hiring social workers, and launching programs like food distribution and transportation services. However, these initiatives highlight a stark mismatch: the demand far outweighs the resources.
The Challenges Hospitals Face
The insights gained from SDOH screening often reveal systemic challenges, leaving healthcare providers asking, What do we do now?
Frontline Staff: Nurses and social workers struggle to connect patients with overburdened resources.
Leadership: Hospital CEOs face tough financial decisions, balancing operational needs with broader community investments.
Community Gaps: Many regions lack sufficient housing, food, and social services to meet identified needs.
This growing awareness creates urgency for hospitals to take action, but there are no simple solutions.
Collaborating for Solutions
At Convergence, our mission is clear: to accelerate improvement in healthcare, together.
We work with hospitals, clinicians, leaders, and community partners to:
Understand the Challenges: Gathering insights from the frontlines.
Build Innovative Solutions: Testing and refining new approaches.
Highlight Success Stories: Sharing lessons from hospitals leading the way in addressing SDOH.
Join the Conversation
We don’t have all the answers, but we’re committed to asking the right questions and learning from each other. This blog is a space for collaboration—where we reflect, share, and debate the future of healthcare.
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Together, we can make a meaningful difference for patients and communities.
About Convergence
Convergence accelerates healthcare improvement by collaborating with hospitals and organizations across the U.S. to address patient safety, quality improvement, and SDOH challenges. Learn more at www.convergencehealth.org.