Integrating Social Determinants of Health Screening in Elective Surgical patients
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Document Type
Presentation
Department
Nursing
Abstract
Research has shown that social determinants of health (SDOH) have a negative impact on health outcomes, including surgical complications. Identifying SDOH as a risk factor for surgical complications and addressing potential needs is imperative to ensuring equitable and quality healthcare for all patients. Methods: A quantitative, pre- and post-intervention quality improvement design was implemented in the pre-admission testing department (PAT). Education was provided to nursing on SDOH and the importance in preventing surgical complications. A SDOH screening tool was then implemented in PAT to patients who would be receiving inpatient surgery. A Likert scale style survey regarding perception and impact of SDOH on patient outcomes was given to the nursing team pre-implementation and three months postintervention. Findings: There was a 73% compliance in use of the SDOH screening tool, with 1,011 people screened out of 1,383 eligible patients. Nurses (N=7) showed a significant increase in the nursing familiarity with the concept of SDOH (p=0.038) and a significant decrease in the nursing perception of the impact of SDOH on the development of surgical site infections (p=0.034). Conclusion: This project increased nurses’ awareness of SDOH for the surgical population. The implementation of the screening tool allowed for more effective identification of risk factors related to SDOH therefore providing patients with resources. Future research should focus on evaluating the effect SDOH screening and use of resources has on the development of surgical complications.
Publication Date
11-14-2025
Recommended Citation
James, Jennifer, "Integrating Social Determinants of Health Screening in Elective Surgical patients" (2025). Nursing Research and EBP Day 2025. 12.
https://scholar.rochesterregional.org/nursingresearchday_2025/12
Comments
Jennifer James, BSN, RN, CIC, Nurse Resident, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Rochester General Hospital