Abstract
This study explored how healthcare facilities in Kentucky and Ohio are adapting to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2024 mandate requiring the collection and reporting of Social Drivers of Health (SDOH) data. Through literature review and interviews with healthcare administrators responsible for SDOH screening, documentation, and reporting, the research evaluated the central hypothesis: while the mandate has expanded the amount of available SDOH data, healthcare organizations continue to face substantial financial, technological, and organizational barriers in addressing identified patient needs. Findings indicated that many facilities have broadened and standardized their screening practices, leading to clearer early trends in patient challenges, including high rates of food insecurity and transportation barriers. Administrators described a range of strategies used to respond to these needs, most commonly partnerships with community-based organizations, robust referral networks, and expanded care coordination efforts. However, they also emphasized persistent obstacles, such as limited closed-loop referral systems, shortages in community resources, staff capacity constraints, and the growing volume of patients screening positive for SDOH needs. Overall, this study highlighted a meaningful increase in SDOH data capacity brought about by the CMS mandate, while underscoring the significant structural challenges that prevent healthcare facilities from fully translating this information into effective, sustainable interventions.
Semester/Year of Award
Fall 2025
Mentor
Dr. Brittani Moberly
Mentor Department Affiliation
Health Promotion and Administration
Access Options
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelors
Department
Health Promotion and Administration
IRB Approval Number (if applicable)
006657
Presentation
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGlfK9R_5c/W2TxunhSbir4mpSMmrNNVw/edit?utm_content=DAGlfK9R_5c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Recommended Citation
Barlage, Jenna M., "Social Drivers of Health: Shifting the Focus of Health Indicators from the Biological Code to the Zip Code" (2025). Honors Theses. 1131.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/1131
