Geauxhealth.org - A technological approach to addressing social determinants of health in New Orleans

ABSTRACT

Purpose of Study GeauxHealth! is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary collaboration designed to create an easy-to-use guide for community health resources based on significant need in the Greater New Orleans area. The 2019 New Orleans Community Health Assessment found that New Orleanians identified mental health, substance use, women's health and chronic medical diagnosis management as areas of concern. Health barriers identified include crime and violence, infrastructure, environmental factors, healthy food, housing and income Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted health inequity in communities across the United States. In an effort to address these findings and to promote awareness of social determinants of health among providers, Geauxhealth.org was created with a vision to be an updated, user-friendly website created by medical trainees for medical trainees and patients. Methods Used 139 residents and fellows across multiple specialties within Tulane School of Medicine and LSUHSC School of Medicine were surveyed before and after the introduction of Geauxhealth.org. Summary of Results: When asked about confidence in referring patients to community resources when needed, 27% of trainees answered "Definitely not confident" and 31% answered "Somewhat confident." Nearly all respondents noted that barriers to referring patients to resources included "Lack of Time" and "Lack of Knowledge." 96% of trainees noted they would use a website or app if available for referring patients to community resources. Post-intervention results are currently being analyzed. Conclusion(s) Awareness of social determinants of health is the first step in addressing health inequity experienced by the patients we serve. GeauxHealth! is designed to bridge the gap between awareness and action. Over time, the hope is for GeauxHealth! to serve as education for [Table presented] incoming residents, to be a utilized tool by providers, hospital employees and patients and to create a framework for the development of health resource guides in other cities. Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.