How Should Clinicians Follow Up About Nonresponses to Mandatory SDoH Screening Questions?

Structural determinants of health (SDoH) screening is key to good pediatric care, but fear of life-altering consequences can prevent adults from disclosing information, while time constraints disincentivize clinicians from addressing some awkward but important SDoH topics relevant to good care planning and management. Transparency, clarity, and a nonjudgmental attitude can help cultivate safe multidisciplinary communication and openness during a clinical encounter. Even more important than screening for SDoH is responding to children's unmet needs that screening reveals, which is the focus of this commentary on a case.