Health-Related Social Needs Screening and Referral in Pediatric Primary Care: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: This study aimed to review approaches to health-related social needs (HRSN) screening and referral in pediatric primary care.

Method: PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases were searched to include peer-reviewed studies conducted in the U.S. over the last 30 years that reported HRSN screening and/or referral outcomes in primary care up to age 18. Studies included multiple HRSN domains and a variety of study designs. Data were summarized descriptively.

Results: 20 studies met inclusion criteria. A variety of screening targets and modalities were employed in addition to referral support methods. Positive screens among the domains reported varied depending on the screening process and sample.

Discussion: This review highlights a range of patient-centered innovations for HRSN screening and referral that may be adaptable to a range of local needs and capacities. Ongoing rigorous evaluation of these models is needed.