Aim: To examine the need, feasibility and acceptability of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) implementing a systematic, routine, unmet social needs identification and referral pathway, as a means of promoting health equity.

Method: Quality improvement methodologies were used to adapt and pilot an unmet social needs identification and referral pathway for use with parents/carers of children with communication disabilities referred to an urban Australian speech-language pathology service. SLPs were surveyed about the acceptability and feasibility of this practice.

Results: Most parents/carers, 289 of 293 (99%), agreed to participate in the study, with 31 of the 289 (11%) reporting concerns about unmet social needs. The most common unmet need related to household bills (n = 17, 28%), followed by childcare (n = 12, 20%), employment (n = 10, 16%), food (n = 8, 13%), housing (n = 7, 11%), and parent/carer education (n = 7, 11%). Most of these families, 26 of 31 (84%), requested referral to, or information about, local community services/resources. SLPs reported high levels of acceptability (93%) and feasibility (98%).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the need, feasibility and acceptability of SLPs implementing an unmet social needs identification and referral pathway, and the potential to scale this initiative across other speech-language pathology services and allied health contexts. 

Implications for children and families: We know that children thrive when their parents and carers are supported. Our vision is that if you or your family have unmet needs that you will be linked in with community supports.

Implications for practitioners: Our SLP profession and other allied health professions can address health inequities by developing practice guidelines that will ensure questions about unmet social needs are asked sensitively and there are clear identification and referral pathways to support and assist families’ needs. You can keep doing what you have always done, or you can recognise that for children to thrive you must partner with families to ensure their social needs are met.

Key words: health equity, communication disability, speech-language pathology, screening, social determinants of health, unmet social needs, families’ voices, vulnerable communities

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequality
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goals