Vanderbilt Health recently launched a process in the adult inpatient enterprise to screen for social factors that impact health. The screening initially focuses on food security, housing stability, transportation, ability to pay utilities, and interpersonal safety.
The Learning Exchange Module called “Understanding Social Factors that Impact Health: Overview and Screening Process” available here was developed to walk all clinical staff through the details of this new screening system designed to better serve patients and families.
Nearly 60% of all clinical staff have completed the brief learning module so far. For those who have not yet completed the module, please take a few minutes to do so. Doing so will help you gain a full understanding for the importance of this screening. The goal for participation is 100%.
All clinical staff who were enrolled in August are asked to complete the brief corresponding Learning Exchange Module called “Understanding Social Factors that Impact Health: Overview and Screening Process” available here.
Clinical staff at Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Wilson County, Vanderbilt Bedford and Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton hospitals have received an email with direct links to the module and supporting materials. Scripting to guide conversations with patients is also available in edocs here. (Must be on VPN.) A comprehensive guide to changes in eStar is accessible here.
- New clinical hires will also be enrolled and asked to complete this training within 60 days of assignment.
- Those who have been assigned and not yet completed the module will continue to receive frequent reminder emails until they have completed the module.
Where possible, staff will continue to provide information about resources to address these social drivers of health and all After Visit Summaries (AVS) include language that calls out resources. The AVS is translated into Spanish and Arabic. Additional resources to respond to positive screens are under development. Along with expending screening to other inpatient departments, these enhanced resources will roll out in future phases of the roll out.
This initiative builds on many years of work to identify social factors that impact health among those we serve. Additionally, it reinforces institutional commitments to Health Equity and Innovation and reflects key actions in our Racial Equity Plan.
