Acceptability of Social Needs Assessment Among Patients with History of Suicidal Ideation

AI Summary

Patients with suicidal ideation history were generally willing to report social needs, varying by domain from 66% (legal) to 95% (healthcare affordability).
Most patients who were willing to report social needs also wanted assistance from health systems to address those needs.
Majority were comfortable reporting in an office with a physician (86%) and 77% were comfortable with use of needs in outcome prediction; no subgroup differences.

J Behav Health Serv Res. 2026 Jul 16. doi: 10.1007/s11414-026-09993-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study explored patients with suicidal ideation history’s preferences regarding health system collection and utilization of social needs data. Surveys asked about willingness to report and request assistance for social needs, comfort reporting across methods, and inclusion of needs in health outcome prediction. Differences by demographics and suicidal ideation severity were examined. Willingness to report needs differed by domain (legal concerns 66% to healthcare affordability 95%). Most patients who were willing to report needs wanted assistance. Patients were most comfortable reporting needs in an office with a physician (86%), although comfort did not differ drastically across healthcare settings or practitioner. Most (77%) were somewhat/very comfortable with needs use in prediction. There were no significant differences across subgroups. Patients with suicidal ideation history are willing to report and request assistance from health systems for social needs, which could be incorporated into suicide prevention.

PMID:42463615 | DOI:10.1007/s11414-026-09993-3

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