Introduction/Objectives:While it is well established that unmet healthrelated social needs (HRSN)
adversely affect health outcomes, there has been limited evaluation in adult
primary care of patients’ perceptions of how these needs impact their health
and the role of the primary care provider (PCP). The objective of this study
is to identify patients’ perceptions of HRSN and how PCPs could help address
them. Secondary objectives include exploring the impact of goal setting and
a 1-time cash transfer (CT).Methods:This qualitative study used semi-structured baseline and follow-up interviews
with patients in internal medicine clinics. Adult primary care patients were
included if they screened positive as having 1 of 3 HRSN: financial resource
strain, transportation needs, or food insecurity. All participants completed
an initial interview about their HRSN and health, and were asked to set a
6-month health goal. At enrollment, participants were randomized to receive
a $500 CT or a $50 participation reward. At 6-months, patients were
interviewed again to investigate progress toward meeting their health goals,
[when applicable] how the CT helped, and their beliefs about the role of
PCPs in addressing HRSN.Results:We completed 30 initial and 25 follow-up interviews. Participants identified
their HRSN, however most did not readily connect identified needs to health.
Although participants were receptive to HRSN screening, they did not feel it
was their PCP’s responsibility to address these needs. Verbal goal-setting
appeared to be a useful tool, and while the CTs were appreciated, patients
often found them inadequate to address HRSN.Conclusions:Given the importance of identifying the social conditions that shape
patients’ health, providers, and health systems have an opportunity to
re-evaluate their role in helping patients address these barriers. Future
studies could examine the effect of more frequent disbursement of CTs over
time.