Developing provider education materials for the Screening for Poverty And Related social determinants and intervening to improve Knowledge of and links to resources (SPARK) Scale-up Study
Author(s): Melanie Figueiredo, Joseph J. O’Rourke, Archna Gupta, Mélanie A. Smithman, Dana Howse, Leanne Kosowan, Lane Williams, Alexander Zsager, Jane Cooney, Marjeiry Robinson, Dorothy Mary Senior, Eunice Abaga, Andrew D. Pinto
Background: The social determinants of health (SDOH) encompass factors affecting the well-being of individuals and communities. Recognized by health policymakers and researchers, addressing SDOH is crucial for meeting health system goals and addressing patients' complex medical and social needs. The SPARK tool, stemming from a CIHR-funded national study in Canada, aims to collect data on SDOH in primary care settings. Currently, many healthcare organizations lack integration of SDOH data into clinical records and staff training in addressing patients' social needs.
Objective: To support the development of training materials for primary care clinic staff administering the SPARK tool.
Methods: To assess the effectiveness of existing materials of SPARK tool implementation, a follow-up analysis of feedback surveys was conducted, and best practices were applied to educate primary care providers and patients about the tool. Innovative online training materials, user-friendly infographics for providers and patients, and a comprehensive change package were created to streamline the implementation of the SPARK tool in primary care clinics.
Results: The SPARK tool is currently being implemented in five provinces across Canada. Enhancing the execution process with the novel training resources and a comprehensive manual eases the process of gathering and applying data on social needs within primary care clinics.
SPARK tool implementation offers clinics advantages including more personalized patient care, identification of healthcare disparities, and community program restructuring.
Conclusion: Overall, by supporting clinics with collecting and using SDOH data, primary care teams will be able to better address patients’ social needs within their communities.