WIP 32 - Social Drivers of Health Screening: Exploring Family Needs in an Academic NICU in the Pacific Northwest

Publication Number: WIP 32.7550

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

Background: Racial disparities in quality of care, infant morbidity, and infant mortality have been described in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Nationally, Black infants remain at higher risk of preterm birth compared to white counterparts, and in Washington state, American Indian/Alaska Native infants experience the highest burden of premature birth (WA Department of Health). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends universal screening for social drivers of health (SDOH), including food insecurity, housing, transportation, and employment. The University of Washington NICU is an academic Level IV unit that receives referrals from the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI region), representing an urban and rural population from a range of socioeconomic groups, ethnicities, and races. The NICU provides a unique opportunity for families to receive holistic, socially conscious care longitudinally and may improve long-term outcomes beyond the NICU stay.

Objective: To evaluate what SDOH domains are screened routinely in a single-center academic referral Level IV NICU in Washington state, rates of screening, and rates of positive needs.

Design/Methods: A retrospective chart review of all NICU admissions from January 2021-December 2023 will be performed. Descriptive statistics will be utilized for demographic information from screening respondents. All SDOH screening occurred via social worker and was documented in their note(s) in infant charts. Fisher’s exact test will be utilized to evaluate SDOH screens completed and needs based on demographic categories. This study has been approved by the University of Washington Institutional Review Board. Retrospective chart review is ongoing, with statistical analysis planned for February 2025.