The implementation cost of a safety-net hospital program addressing social needs in Atlanta.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To describe the cost of integrating social needs activities into a health care program that works toward health equity by addressing socioeconomic barriers.

Data sources/study setting

Costs for a heart failure health care program based in a safety-net hospital were reported by program staff for the program year May 2018-April 2019. Additional data sources included hospital records, invoices, and staff survey.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, case study of a program that includes health education, outpatient care, financial counseling and free medication; transportation and home services for those most in need; and connections to other social services. Program costs were summarized overall and for mutually exclusive categories: heal

SUBMITTER: MacLeod KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8143691 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature