Implementation of Standardized Screening for Social Determinants of Health in Persons with Serious Mental Illness

Persons with serious mental illness (SMI) often struggle to obtain the resources, both physical and medical, needed to achieve optimal wellness. By screening for social determinants of health (SDoH) in this population, medical comorbidities may be reduced, benefiting both the lives of patients and the healthcare system in the United States. After completion of a literature review led by the guiding theory of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and ethics approval from a university human subjects committee, participants were enrolled in the social determinants of health screening project at an urban Southwestern United States clubhouse-model SMI clinic. Participating adult SMI patients anonymously completed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs screening tool, which is relatively new and uses both original questions and those obtained from other SDoH assessments and therefore has had no published psychometric testing completed yet. Data analysis will be completed using statistical software and this data will be used to help guide the creation of a patient-centered resource guide for the various different domains of the SDoH. It is anticipated that this guide will empower SMI patients to take charge of their needs and navigate community resources with greater autonomy, facilitated by guidance from social practitioners. By screening for and helping meet the SDoH needs of SMI patients, it is known that overall health and wellness will be increased both physically and mentally for these patients, allowing them a greater level of independence and self-actualization.