25 Nov 2025

Streamlining Social Care with SDoH Request Management Systems

Healthcare outcomes depend on more than medical treatment alone. Factors such as housing stability, access to nutritious food, transportation, and employment, collectively known as the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), can significantly impact a patient's well-being.

Yet addressing these needs efficiently is often challenging. Requests may be delayed, lost, or poorly coordinated across providers and community resources. SDoH request management systems, such as GridSocial, provide a structured way to track, manage, and follow up on social care needs, ensuring that no patient request goes unnoticed.

What Is an SDoH Request Management System?

An SDoH request management system is a digital platform or structured workflow that helps healthcare teams capture, route, and follow up on patients’ social needs. Its core functions include:

  • Capturing Requests : Intake via digital forms, phone, or in-person visits, ensuring all relevant social needs are recorded.
  • Routing and Prioritization : Assigning requests to the right community resources based on urgency, location, or eligibility.
  • Tracking Outcomes : Monitoring progress to ensure every request is fulfilled.
  • Data Insights : Collecting trends and metrics to improve care coordination and resource allocation.

These systems centralize social care management, reducing gaps and streamlining communication between healthcare teams and community partners.

sdoh-request-management-system

How GridSocial Works: A Practical SDoH Workflow

GridSocial provides a structured approach to managing SDoH requests from intake to resolution:

1. Screening and Intake

Patients or staff submit requests digitally, by phone, or in person. Standardized intake ensures all relevant social needs, like food assistance, housing, transportation, or mental health, are captured.

2. Categorization and Prioritization

Requests are automatically categorized and prioritized based on urgency and eligibility. High-priority cases are flagged for immediate attention.

3. Smart Referral Routing

Requests are matched to the most suitable community or partner organization using pre-defined criteria. This ensures timely support reaches the right patient.

4. Collaboration and Coordination

Internal teams and external partners can communicate and collaborate within the platform, keeping all stakeholders informed.

5. Follow-Up and Outcome Tracking

Real-time tracking, automated reminders, and status updates ensure no request is left unresolved. Outcomes are recorded to provide feedback to patients and care teams.

6. Reporting and Insights

Dashboards and analytics reveal trends, gaps, and performance metrics, helping healthcare organizations optimize workflows and measure impact.

Example : Maria submits a transportation request for a medical appointment. Within hours, GridSocial routes her request to a local transport partner, notifies her of the scheduled ride, and confirms completion, all while updating the care team in real time.

Benefits of Structured SDoH Management

Healthcare providers using structured SDoH request systems often see:

  • Faster Response Times : Reduced delays connecting patients to needed services.
  • Improved Care Coordination : Clear visibility and communication across providers and community partners.
  • Higher Referral Success Rates : Ensures requests are completed and outcomes tracked.
  • Better Population Health Insights : Data identifies trends, gaps, and areas for improvement.
  • Enhanced Patient Engagement : Patients stay informed and feel more involved in their care.
Conclusion

Addressing social determinants of health is critical for modern healthcare, but it requires structured, reliable processes. SDoH request management systems, such as GridSocial, provide a centralized platform for efficiently capturing, tracking, and resolving social care needs.

By implementing these systems, healthcare organizations can close care gaps, strengthen community partnerships, and improve health outcomes for both individual patients and entire populations.

Ready to streamline social care? Book a GridSocial demo and see SDoH request management in action.

Scroll