WIP 15 - Association of Clinical Characteristics and Social Drivers of Health Needs in the NICU

Publication Number: WIP 15.7578

Reilly Dever, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Nicholas A. Chock, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Mackenzie Phan, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States; Rachel LaFontaine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Rachel Umoren, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States; Kirsten Mojziszek, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Ivana Brajkovic, Seattle Children's, Seattle, WA, United States; Cailin White, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States; Krystle M. Perez, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States

Background: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) represents an opportunity to receive support for social drivers of health (SDOH) at the earliest point in a child’s life, but many needs go unaddressed. Increased social needs are associated with worse outcomes post-discharge (e.g., healthcare utilization) which can direct follow-up interventions. However, little is known about the associations between infant clinical characteristics during the admission and many well-described SDOH needs.

Objective: To evaluate associations between infant clinical characteristics and SDOH needs during admission in a single-center academic referral Level IV NICU in Washington state.

Design/Methods: A retrospective chart review of all NICU admissions with length of stay >7 days from January 2021-December 2023 is being conducted. All SDOH screening was conducted by a social worker, with screening documented in infant note(s). Demographic and clinical data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. A multiple regression analysis will be conducted to evaluate the unique contribution of each SDOH (e.g., parent mental health, housing security, community support) while accounting for the effects of clinical variables (e.g., gestational age, diagnoses, weight) in the model. This study was reviewed and approved by the University of Washington Institutional Review Board. Retrospective chart review is underway, with statistical analysis planned for January 2025.