SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Comparing Social Needs of Readmitted and Non-Readmitted Pediatric Patients

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This retrospective observational study examined whether pediatric patients readmitted within 30 days had more or different social needs than non-readmitted patients. Researchers compared 240 hospital medicine patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, split evenly between readmitted and non-readmitted groups, using a social needs screening tool completed between October 2022 and January 2023.<br /><br />The study assessed specific needs such as food insecurity, transportation, housing, childcare, clothing, healthcare access, utilities, medications, phone services, employment, and mental health resources. Demographics were similar between groups, with no significant differences in age, sex, race/ethnicity, language, insurance type, or primary diagnosis.<br /><br />Key findings showed no significant difference between readmitted and non-readmitted patients in the proportion reporting any individual social need or in the average number of needs per patient. Across the full inpatient population, however, social needs were common: about 25% to 26.7% of patients had at least one need. The most frequently reported needs were food, childcare, transportation, housing, and mental health. Less common needs were clothing, healthcare, utilities, medications, phone services, and employment.<br /><br />The authors concluded that readmission status was not associated with greater social need burden in this sample. Still, the findings highlight that social needs are prevalent among hospitalized children, suggesting hospitalization may be an important opportunity to identify and address these needs regardless of readmission status. Future research should explore social needs in adults, specialty services, changes in needs over time, and whether providing resources reduces readmissions.

Asset Subtitle

Merritt Ten Hope

Meta Tag

Author List Jennifer Hall, Merritt Ten Hope, Nehal Thakkar, Sandra Gage

Category Research

Concept Social Needs

Concept Pediatric Readmission

Concept Social Needs Screening

Concept Hospitalized Children

Concept Prevalence

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Phoenix Children's

Presenting Author Merritt Ten Hope

Track Pediatric

Keywords

pediatric readmission

social needs

hospitalized children

30-day readmission

food insecurity

transportation needs

housing instability

mental health resources

retrospective observational study

Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Social Needs

Pediatric Readmission

Social Needs Screening

Hospitalized Children

Prevalence