Perspectives on Obstetric Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Screenings

SDoH factors are structural and social drivers of health outcomes — negative SDoH such as racism, poverty, poor housing conditions, lack of access to primary and specialty care, and stigma can drive health inequities. Screening for negative SDoH during prenatal care may be useful in order to connect pregnant patients to necessary resources during pregnancy.

Here, we investigate the acceptability of providing SDoH screening as part of routine prenatal care and evaluate patient and provider preference for mode of data collection, i.e. how and when a patient is asked SDoH screening questions, who asks the patient, and what follow-up occurs.

We will conduct qualitative interviews with obstetric patients and providers to better understand perspectives and preferences on conducting SDoH screenings in a safe, effective, and efficient way.

This information will be critical in understanding how SDoH screenings can be successfully incorporated into obstetric care. The findings of this study can be used to inform future studies looking at the impact of SDoH screenings in prenatal care on obstetric health outcomes. Results may be used to design and plan for wider implementation of SDoH screenings that can be integrated into the care of future to patients.

Ongoing

Rebecca Hamm, MD, MSCE

Independence Blue Cross