EAR 

EDUCATE

ASSESS

RESPOND

Three simple steps healthcare professionals can take to address isolation and loneliness and promote social connection with their patients.

The EAR Approach is a simple yet flexible tool that healthcare providers can use to address social isolation and loneliness by:

Educate patients on the crucial impact social connection has on health

Assess their risks for inadequate social connections

Respond with targeted interventions

EAR Approach:

SYNC FOR SOCIAL NEEDS

The White House, alongside Epic Systems and the Department of Veterans Affairs, launched the Sync for Social Needs coalition to integrate social screening tools into EMR systems. Routine screening fosters social connection by addressing social determinants of health in clinical settings.

Epic Systems’ focus on Social Determinants of Health

Houston Methodist, through Epic Systems, integrates social prescribing by enabling community organizations to access patient data for more holistic care.

The EAR Educate, Assess, Respond Approach toolkit was adapted from the EAR Framework, first introduced in a 2023 New England Journal of Medicine article authored by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D., and Carla Perissinotto, M.D., M.H.S..

“Addressing social isolation and loneliness does not detract from patient care— it is patient care.”

Listening for change: the EAR Approach for addressing social isolation and loneliness in healthcare settings.

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If you're interested in integrating social screening tools or addressing social determinants of health within your healthcare system, we'd love to connect! For additional information, collaboration opportunities, or consulting inquiries, please contact us.