# Enhanced Digital Access to Bridge Social Needs and Reduce Health Disparities: The e-SINCERE Study

> **NIH NIH R01** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2024 · $2,307,354

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Social context is tied to health outcomes, driving the rapid adoption of screening for tangible social needs (e.g.
for housing, utilities, food) by healthcare systems. Our preliminary studies (R21HS026505, R01NR019944)
underscore the potential for narrowing health disparities by linking social needs screenings in clinical settings –
particularly in emergency department (ED) settings where 50% of patients endorse one or more need – to
United Way 211's (211) Service Navigators (SNs) through clinically-integrated and adaptable software
solutions. However, 34% of those with social needs seen in EDs provided either another person’s phone
number or only an email address for outreach, a factor we have linked to a decreased likelihood of connecting
to services; higher instances of housing, utilities, and transportation needs; and greater frequency of ED visits
compared to those who provide their own telephone number. Moreover, 24% lacked home internet and faced
considerable difficulties in establishing service connections, particularly with navigating online forms. These
findings highlight the role that Information and Communication Technology (ICT), specifically stable telephone
access, internet, and digital navigation, may play in meeting patients' social needs and the ability of community
services to improve health outcomes. In this NIH stage 3 real-world efficacy study, we will utilize a community-
engaged process and rapid cycle testing with partnering community, governmental, and clinical service
representatives to develop, refine, and launch an ICT screening and access program (stable cellphones and
digital navigation) in three ED settings across the state of Utah. Then, in a randomized controlled trial of 600
ED patients with social needs and ICT access barriers, we will leverage existing screening and referral
protocols to determine whether providing stable cellphones, 211 service outreach, and digital navigation
assistance to patients with social needs and ICT access barriers result in improved health outcomes over 6
months compared to patients who are offered cellphones and 211 service outreach alone. Our proposal meets
the goals of the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) as it emphasizes the essential role of
technology access in fostering public health equity. By embedding advanced digital tools in social needs
screenings and referrals, we aim to close the gap between recognizing social needs and connecting individuals
to vital services using a scalable, sustainable approach.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11059980
- **Project number:** 1R01NR021501-01
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrea Schneider Wallace
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $2,307,354
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-12 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11059980

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11059980, Enhanced Digital Access to Bridge Social Needs and Reduce Health Disparities: The e-SINCERE Study (1R01NR021501-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11059980. Licensed CC0.

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