Perspectives From the PICU: Interprofessional Views on Screening for Health-Related Social Needs

Introduction: Health-related social needs (HRSN), including food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation barriers, contribute to pediatric health disparities. Screening can identify needs and connect families to resources, but without provider engagement, sufficient resources, and institutional support, it falls short. In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), where critical illness intersects with social risk, these challenges are amplified. Addressing HRSN during hospitalization may improve outcomes for vulnerable children. While one study examined caregiver perspectives, to our knowledge no prior research has focused on clinician views on HRSN screening in the PICU. This study explores interprofessional perspectives on HRSN screening in this setting.


Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by distributing a survey among interprofessional providers at two geographically diverse, academic pediatric referral centers’ PICU. Guided by the Health Belief Model, the survey assessed interprofessional team members’ attitudes, behaviors, benefits, and perceived barriers to HRSN screening using Likert-scale questions. Descriptive and non-parametric comparative analyses were used to examine differences by site and role.


Results: Of 585 invited participants, 170 completed the survey (response rate: 29%) across 14 unique clinical roles. Most (95%) agreed HRSN screening is important, yet only 46% previously performed such screening. While 85% agreed or strongly agreed that HRSN screening would improve patient care, comfort with addressing unmet needs varied significantly by site. Specifically, 31% versus 52% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed they felt comfortable (p < 0.01), potentially reflecting differences in institutional culture, training, and support. Key barriers to HSRN screening identified included caregiver vulnerability, limited time, training, and resources.


Conclusions: PICU staff globally value HRSN screening but face interprofessional and structural barriers. Enhancing training, workflows, and resource access may improve willingness to screen for HRSN. As hospital systems expand screening efforts, incorporating provider perspectives will be essential. This study highlights a critical, underexplored provider group essential to addressing disparities in hospitalized children.