Social Needs in the Prehospital Setting (SNIPS) EMS Attitudes Toward Addressing Patient Social Needs
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Abstract
Introduction:
There has been increasing interest in utilizing EMS to address patient social determinants of health, which are thought to be the cause of many unnecessary transports, particularly for “superutilzing” patients. However, existing research is limited regarding EMS providers’ attitude toward addressing patient social needs and willingness to utilize potential interventions.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted using an internet-based survey with multiple methods of recruitment of providers across the United States. Descriptive statistics and Chi Square Tests were utilized to analyze the data.
Results:
A total of 1,112 EMTs and paramedics completed the survey with 43.4% reporting familiarity with the term social determinants of health and 87.7% screening positive for burnout. Greater than 60% reported willingness to use proposed interventions to address patient social needs. Those who were more familiar with the term social determinants of health were more likely to indicate willingness to utilize most interventions and to believe they were responsible for addressing their patients’ social needs whereas burnout had no effect on willingness to use most resources.
Discussion:
Respondents showed substantial interest in using the proposed resources to address patient social determinants of health. EMS providers familiar with the term “social determinants of health” were more likely to believe they were responsible for addressing patient social needs and willing to use interventions, supporting the need for more education on the topic. Additionally, provider burnout was not found to significantly impact willingness to use resources, which evidence suggests may reduce burnout.
Conclusion:
EMS providers should be offered more education on social determinants of health both in their initial training and through continuing education. Furthermore, EMS services should make resources available to allow EMS providers to address their patients’ social needs with the goal of improving patient health and reducing unnecessary transports.
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