E.A.R. Approach
EDUCATE
ASSESS
RESPOND
Three simple steps healthcare professionals can take to address isolation and loneliness and promote social connection with their patients.
E.A.R. Approach is a simple yet flexible tool that healthcare providers can use to address social isolation and loneliness by:
Educating patients on the crucial impact social connection has on health
Assessing their risks for inadequate social connections
Responding 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 E.A.R. Approach toolkit was adapted from the 2023 Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Ph.D. and Carla Perissinotto, M.D., M.H.S. article in the New England Journal of Medicine.
“Addressing social isolation and loneliness does not detract from patient care— it IS patient care.”
Listening for change: the E.A.R. Approach for addressing SIL 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.