Background: In October 2022 a multisite social determinants of health screening initiative was expanded across seven emergency departments of a large, urban hospital system. The aim of the initiative was to identify and address those underlying social needs that frequently interfere with a patient's health and well-being, often resulting in increased preventable system utilization.
Methods: Building on an established Patient Navigator Program, an existing screening process, and long-standing community-based partnerships, an interdisciplinary workgroup was formed to develop and implement the initiative.