Integrating social determinants of health screening to improve oncology patient outcomes in a community cancer practice within an academic health system.

291 Background: Social determinants of health (SDoH) significantly impact oncology patients’ ability to adhere to treatment and influence clinical outcomes. Barriers such as transportation, food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship often result in missed appointments and emotional distress. In response, nurses at a community practice site of a nationally recognized academic cancer center led an interdisciplinary effort to develop and implement a standardized SDoH screening tool. Methods: To proactively address these barriers, a screening process was embedded into the initial infusion education visit. Nurses collaborated with social workers and other care team members across the Cancer Service Line to identify local support resources and streamline responses to SDoH-related needs. The team adapted the NCCN Distress Thermometer into an EPIC flowsheet to screen for key issues, including transportation, housing, food access, and financial strain. Findings were shared with a multidisciplinary team—including providers and social workers—for coordinated intervention. Patients were reassessed every two months during treatment and again at the first post-treatment follow-up. Results: Between December 2024 and April 2025, 49 unique infusion patients completed the SDoH assessment using the NCCN Distress Thermometer (V. 1.2025). Of these, 22 reported distress, with an average score of 3.5. The tool assessed five domains, including physical, emotional, and practical concerns. Fatigue emerged as the most frequent physical issue, reported by 23% (9/39). In the practical domain, 37.3% (19/51) expressed financial concerns, with housing and transportation as the most cited social needs. Assessment findings were used to guide individualized care plans and inform broader programmatic interventions. Conclusions: Routine SDoH screening, paired with multidisciplinary coordination, resulted in reduced patient distress and better access to support services. In response to the identified needs, the cancer center established a grant-funded partnership with a nonprofit to provide transportation and nutritional assistance. This initiative demonstrates the value of integrating systematic SDoH assessments into oncology care, highlighting how early identification and response to social needs can enhance both patient experience and health outcomes.