Outpatient interventions addressing the social determinants of health for children and their families: a scoping review.

Background

The social and economic environments in which children grow shape their immediate and long-term health. Many families navigate fragmented health and social care services, leaving critical needs unmet. Integrating social care within outpatient healthcare settings may improve continuity of care.

Objectives

This scoping review summarizes the evidence on outpatient social care interventions for children ages 0-13 and/or their families, focusing on support for at least one social determinant of health (SDOH), including housing, transportation, and food insecurity, low income, unemployment, education, early literacy, and social isolation. DATA SOURCES AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We searched eight databases through July 2025, including Medline, Embase, and CINAHL. Eligible studies examined outpatient interventions addressing at least one SDOH and were published in English from 2013 onward. SYNTHESIS

Methods

Dual screening and data extraction were performed, and findings were synthesized narratively.

Results

38 studies were included. Most were quantitative, non-randomized, conducted in the US, and based in pediatric clinics or federally qualified health centers. Interventions were organized using three models of health and social care integration: community partnerships (n=29), screening and intervening (n=21), and co-localization (n=9). Benefits included improved home literacy environments and parent-child interactions; higher program enrollment and adherence to well-visits and vaccinations; and better detection of social needs using universal screening.

Limitations

Evidence was mostly US-based and limited to children 13 years or younger, restricting generalizability.

Conclusions

AND IMPLICATIONS Outpatient social care interventions show promise in strengthening outcomes for children and families. Integrating multiple models may help bridge gaps across systems.