A pilot evaluation of social needs among gynecologic oncology patients in inpatient versus outpatient settings

[摘要] The WHO defines social determinants of health(SDoH) as the conditions in which we are born,grow, work, and live as well as other largesystems that positively or negatively affect ourhealth.1 Many healthcare systems currently lackthe resources and strategies required toaccurately assess and address SDoH. Actionmust be taken because studies have found thatchronic diseases, including cancer, are affectedby SDoH.1-3 The aim of this study is to identifythe incidence of social needs in an inpatientgynecologic oncology population and its relationto patient demographics and clinical diagnosticdata to guide and inform future intervention.Patients agreeing to participate in the studycompleted a needs assessment survey duringtheir inpatient stay at the hospital betweenNovember 2020 to March 2021. The surveycontained seven questions, six of which werequestions screening for social needs includingfood and housing security, transportationmeans, financial stability, health literacy, andsocial support. Responses were consideredpositive if any degree of need was reported.Demographic and cancer diagnosis data were then collected and included zip code, race,cancer stage and age at diagnosis, treatmenthistory, and number of hospital admissions andlength of stay over the past 12 months. Themost substantial reported needs across allgynecologic malignancies were social support(65%), health literacy (37%), and financial need(22%). Less need was reported in the categoriesof food (11%), housing (7%), and transportation(4%). SDoH have been studied in the outpatientgynecologic population and the needs seen inthis study are similar to the needs of thatpopulation.4 However, there are likely differentchallenges and frequencies of unmet need in thedifferent types of gynecologic cancers that mayaffect the stage at which their cancer isdiagnosed as well as the number of hospitaladmissions related to their cancer care.

[学科分类] 妇产科学

[关键词] Social determinants of health;women’s health;health disparities;social needs;gynecologic oncology