Evaluation of ENCompass: Scope and Geographic Distribution of Social Resource Recommendations
Clicking this link (Poster and Audio) will download the PowerPoint version of the poster. If you start the slideshow and click the play/next slide button in the bottom left corner, you should hear an audio recording of the presentation.
Abstract:
“Introduction/Background: Many low-income individuals face social barriers such as food insecurity and homelessness that can have an influence on health outcomes. These underlying causes of health issues remain largely unaddressed in healthcare. ENCompass is an undergraduate student organization at Ohio State dedicated to bridging the gap between medical and social care for underserved people in the Columbus area. Using online resource database systems, student volunteers connect consenting clients at local clinics and food pantries with basic social resources through a consultation process. An evaluation of the ENCompass model provides an overview of a novel method for addressing social determinants of health. Data collected from ENCompass consultations provides insights into resource needs across Columbus over the past 4 years. This program evaluation analyzes the ENCompass model as well as the number, frequency, and distribution of social needs as identified by clients of ENCompass.
Methods: Data was collected and analyzed from ENCompass consultations beginning in 2015 to assess frequency, type, and distribution of requested social resources by clients. Geographic distribution of the social needs of ENCompass clients was also assessed to understand the relative resource requirements of different Columbus areas.
Results/Conclusions: From 2015-2019, ENCompass volunteers completed 717 consultations. The most popular resource categories requested by clients were food (42% of clients), dental care (34%), utilities (33%), housing/rent assistance (32%), clothing (28%), and eye care (26%). Resource categories requested by clients varied based on zip code in which the client lives. Understanding social resource needs in coordination with demographic data can provide information on needs of different populations and areas in Columbus. The information gained can be used to better understand and address disparities in access to and awareness of social resources in Columbus, as well as to optimize ENCompass consultations and resource recommendation protocols.”
Ellie, I really enjoyed this topic and your recommendations on how volunteers and partners might better prepare to engage with resource needs. Have you thought about sharing this information with central Ohio organizations, like the Human Services Chamber, The Columbus Foundation, and the United Way of Central Ohio to better support social service nonprofits and provide information to support financial investments?
Hi Christina. Thank you for your feedback! We are planning on sharing this information with our volunteer sites but had not discussed sharing it more widely yet. We will definitely consider sharing with those and other organizations.