Lead: Emma Parry
Dates: 01 November 2024 – 30 April 2026
Background:
Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly affect individual and population health outcomes. However, social risk data are not routinely collected in UK primary care, despite General Practice often being the first contact for individuals facing social challenges. Improved identification of social risks can enhance care plans by accounting for financial barriers, behavioural health needs, transport issues, and linking patients to community services via social prescribers. Most existing screening tools were developed for North American contexts. A UK-specific tool was therefore created via systematic review and Delphi survey by EP. Identifying unmet social needs can help personalise care, inform service development, and shape public health policies.
Aims and Objectives:
This study will assess the feasibility of using the new tool to screen for SDOH in primary care and generate data to support a future programme grant.
Key objectives include:
- comparing data collection methods
- evaluating tool reliability and validity
- estimating the burden of social need
- exploring acceptability and perspectives
- understanding practicalities of implementation
- identifying parameters for a future trial.
Methods:
We will use a number of methods within this project. Cross-sectional screening in deprived West Midlands areas will be conducted using various avenues of data collection: AccuRX Florey (text-to-record platform), post/online, telephone, and in-consultation. Medical record linkage will help profile patients with social need and estimate resource needs.
We will also conduct qualitative interviews, focussed on:
- ~15 patient interviews and two focus groups (6–8 practice staff) to explore experiences, acceptability, barriers, and facilitators.
- One focus group (up to eight community health workers) to discuss workflow integration and strategies to engage under-represented groups.
Impact and Dissemination:
Findings will estimate social need and health burden, assess the screening tool’s reliability, explore feasibility and acceptability, inform future implementation, and guide the design of a larger trial.