Pharmacist confidence, comfort, and experience screening for and addressing social risks

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoH) account for 50%-60% of health outcomes. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to screen for adverse SDoH (social risks), and address social needs, conditions an individual seeks assistance with immediately. However, previous research has demonstrated that pharmacists lack confidence and experience performing this screening.

Objective

This study aimed to assess pharmacist self-perceived knowledge, comfort, and experience screening for SDoH and confidence addressing social needs.

Methods

Registered Alabama pharmacists were invited via e-mail to complete an incentivized, anonymous survey. Outcomes were measured via multiple-choice and Likert-type scales, including (1) confidence and comfort with screening and making referrals, (2) current screening and referral activities, (3) awareness of resources, (4) willingness to implement SDoH services, and (5) attitudes regarding SDoH services and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and Pearson correlations.

Results

The mean age of the 310 survey participants was 45 ± 9.8 years, and 72% identified as female. Notably, 65% reported working in the community setting; 62% and 65%, respectively, reported a lack of knowledge and ability to identify risks; 84% reported lacking confidence in their ability to address social needs; 55% reported not feeling equipped to use available resources; and 30% indicated currently screening for SDoH at their practice site. Pharmacists identified lack of time (72%) as the most common barrier to screening. Respondents identified lack of resources (65%), personnel (49%), and confidence (32%) and uncertainty of how to link patients to available resources (34%) as other barriers. Most respondents (56%) felt pharmacists could make a positive impact on social risks.

Conclusion

Pharmacists reported lack of knowledge, comfort, and experience screening for social risks and barriers to screening for and addressing identified needs. Responses suggest a need for additional training and evaluation of strategies to decrease barriers to SDoH screening and management.