An integrative review of social determinants of health screenings used in primary care settings

Abstract

Background. There is limited evidence on how to implement social determinants of health (SDH) screenings. Objective. To synthesize recent evidence investigating the implementation of SDH screening in primary care settings. Design. Electronic strategies were used to find articles published between September 2008 and 2018. Articles in the review (N = 15) varied in study design and methodologic rigor, complicating the analysis. Results. Many articles lacked specification on who administered the screening, where the screening was administered, and resource referral rates. The majority of the screenings were administered during the clinic visit by a medical provider. The four primary SDH domains assessed were income, housing stability, education, and employment status. Conclusion. More specific implementation research is needed on the best way for providers to screen for SDH in addition to how screening practices influence resource referrals, resource uti-lization, and health improvements.