Within the PRAPARE screening tool, what are 'social risks'?

• A. A list of medical diagnoses
• B. Economic indicators unrelated to health
• C. A schedule of clinic visits
• D. Standardized indicators of social needs, such as housing instability or food insecurity, that impact health.

Answer: (D)

Social risks are standardized indicators of social needs that can affect health. In PRAPARE, this part of the screening looks for conditions in a person’s life—like housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, and other social factors—that can influence health outcomes and the ability to follow care plans. These are not medical diagnoses, nor generic economic indicators or a schedule of clinic visits. They describe specific, measurable needs that clinics address to connect patients with appropriate resources and support. For example, housing instability or food insecurity illustrate how social conditions directly impact health and access to care.