Most providers aren't asking their patients about all 5 key social needs that are associated with health outcomes, according to a new study in JAMA Network Open.
Why it matters: "Social needs ... are linked to health outcomes. Identifying patients with unmet social needs is a necessary first step to addressing these needs," the authors write.
As they note, as much as 90% of a patient's health outcomes are a result of social, behavioral and economic factors — not medical care.
Only 24% of hospitals and 16% of physician practices screened for food insecurity, housing instability, utility needs, transportation needs and interpersonal violence.
Some of these needs were screened for more often than others, and most providers screen for at least 1 need.
