Impact of Social Needs Case Management on Use of Medical and Behavioral Health Services: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Social needs case management is an increasingly common strategy used by health care organizations to address integrated health and social needs. These programs connect patients to resources such as food assistance, housing, transportation, or income benefits, in addition to facilitating access to health care and behavioral health services. One theory suggests these programs may benefit patients by increasing use of primary and preventive care and decreasing need for acute care. In 2017, Contra Costa Health Services in California implemented a large-scale, randomized study to evaluate the effect of social needs case management on acute care use. The trial showed an 11% reduction in hospitalizations among patients offered case management.