Global Nursing Congress and Healthcare Innovation Summit

Improving Behavioral Health Care Through Social Needs Screening

The Global Nursing Congress and Healthcare Innovation Summit will feature an insightful virtual oral presentation by Dr. Hedy Gerber from Colorado State University Pueblo, USA.

Her presentation, "Findings from a Quality Improvement Project: Implementation of Health-Related Social Needs Screening," highlights how routine screening for health-related social needs can improve access to community resources for individuals receiving behavioral health crisis services.

The project demonstrates that structured screening can strengthen evidence-based nursing practice while addressing the broader social determinants that influence health outcomes.

Key Takeaways

✅ Implementation of standardized HRSN screening in behavioral health settings

✅ Increased referrals to community-based support services

✅ Improved identification of food insecurity, housing needs, transportation barriers, utilities, and safety concerns

✅ High patient participation and acceptance of screening

✅ Supporting equitable, patient-centered mental healthcare

✅ Practical implications for nursing leadership and quality improvement

About the Presenter

Dr. Hedy Gerber is an Assistant Professor of Nursing specializing in psychiatric mental health nursing, nursing education, and quality improvement. Her work focuses on advancing evidence-based practice and improving healthcare delivery through innovative nursing interventions.