Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-10-2026

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, Volume 17, 2026.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319261470023. Copyright © The Author(s) 2026.

 

Abstract

IntroductionStructural and social conditions influence pediatric health outcomes. Successful implementation of social needs screening and referral programs depends on community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide resources that address health-related social needs (HRSN). We explored current practices and perspectives of health care workers and CBO representatives on improving health system-CBO partnerships.MethodsParticipants were purposively recruited from a variety of health care settings involved in HRSN screening and CBOs delivering resources in the community. Participants completed semi-structured interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to summarize data.ResultsTen key informants participated (six health care workers and four CBO representatives). Four themes were identified: 1) mismatches in demand, resources and eligibility challenge the provision of resources, 2) financial limitations threaten sustainability and need for vetting resources, 3) fostering relationships as a key facilitator in screening and resource delivery, and 4) barriers hamper follow-through and tracking referral outcomes. Recommendations for fostering partnership were also summarized.ConclusionsParticipants described systemic challenges in addressing HRSN. They recommended cultivating relationships between pediatric health systems and CBO partners who understand and advocate for their communities' needs and agendas. Shared goals include improving efficiency and cross-sector communication, defining and measuring outcomes, and demonstrating return on investment for non-medical interventions to enhance sustainability to programming addressing HRSN.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

Additional Files
Supplemental Material.pdf (171 kB)

PubMed ID

42721120

Language

English

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