The following is a summary of “Screening for poverty and related social determinants to improve knowledge of and links to resources (SPARK): development and cognitive testing of a tool for primary care,” published in the 25 November 2023 issue of Primary Care by Adekoya, et al.
Addressing social determinants of health is crucial for healthcare organizations. Accurate data on these determinants is essential for identifying intervention opportunities, recognizing patterns of inequity, and assessing intervention impact. For a study, researchers sought to refine a standardized tool for collecting social determinants data through cognitive testing.
The initial set of social determinants questions for healthcare settings was developed by collaboration in Toronto during 2011–2012. Continuous research and feedback led to revisions. The refined questions were administered, and cognitive interviews were conducted with Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland, and Labrador participants. Cognitive interviewing involved participants verbalizing thoughts while reading questions. The thematic grouping of interview notes was performed, focusing on high-frequency themes.
Out of 375 respondents, 195 diverse participants ultimately participated in the study. Although interviews were conducted in English, clarity on the value of collecting such information in healthcare settings must be improved for many. Descriptors were added to enhance clarity. Participants suggested changes to improve clarity and inclusivity. For instance, more response options were added to the sexual orientation question, and the “making ends meet” question was reworded for better understanding, especially for English as a Second Language (ESL) users.
The study refined an initial set of 16 social determinants questions into a concise 18-question tool, mainly focusing on wording improvements. Validation against standardized tools is needed. Further efforts were required for community data governance and successful implementation across various organizations.
Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-023-02173-8
