Social Needs in Healthcare Settings

From Conversation to Care: Gaps and Opportunities in Responding to Social Needs in Healthcare Settings

A national survey of 1,092 patients with chronic illness found that most were comfortable discussing financial and social needs, such as food, housing, and transportation, during healthcare visits. Many disclosed these needs honestly, yet concerns about privacy, stigma, and medical record documentation remained. Critically, when needs were identified, follow-through was inconsistent: over one-third reported needing help, but many received no assistance, and only some experienced successful outcomes. These findings reveal a gap between screening and effective intervention. To deliver equitable, person-centered care, healthcare systems must pair screening with investments in communication, care coordination, and community partnerships that translate need into action.

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