Background and Objectives: Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These conditions include income, education, and access to health care. Knowledge of these factors is essential for primary care clinicians to provide equitable and complete care, plan programs, and allocate resources effectively. Yet, this information is rarely collected consistently in clinical settings. In this study, we identified ways to design an artificial intelligence (AI) social determinants of health tool using a co-design strategy with input from primary care team members.
Research approach: We conducted semi-structured 50-minute workshops with the St. Michael's Hospital Academic Family Medicine Team in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from May to June 2023. Participants were asked to provide feedback on a proposal for an AI-based tool to derive social determinants of patient health from electronic health record (EHR) data.
Key results:
- Fifteen members of the medical team participated in the four workshops.
- Participants reported that most patient information was not available or was difficult to find in the electronic medical record.
- Participants recommended starting with one or two social determinants (e.g., income or housing) and also emphasized the need for adequate resources, staff, and training materials.
- Many challenges were reported, including how to discuss the use of AI with patients and how to identify patients' social needs identified by AI tools.
Why it matters: The integration of AI in healthcare is progressing rapidly, creating both opportunities and challenges. This study provides valuable insights from end users into the meaningful design and implementation of AI-based tools for social data in primary care. AI-based tools have the potential to improve patient care and reduce clinician burnout.
Developing an AI tool to derive social determinants of health for primary care patients: Qualitative findings from a Codesign workshop.
Dr. Stephanie Gallese et al.
Department of Family and Community Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, UnityHealth Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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