Trust, Disclosure, and Action in Social Needs Screening

Readiness Meets Reality: Patient Perspectives on Trust, Disclosure, & Action in Screening for Health-related Social Needs

We surveyed 1,092 patients with chronic conditions about social needs screening in healthcare. Few reported being asked about housing, food, utilities, or transportation, yet most expressed comfort discussing these issues and honesty in disclosure when screened. Importantly, follow-up support was inconsistent, many patients received no help, and outcomes for those who did were often only partially effective. About half felt comfortable with documenting social needs in electronic health records if tied to service access. Findings suggest patient openness is not a barrier; rather, gaps in infrastructure and referral pathways limit meaningful impact.

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