Responding to Social Isolation: The Tole of Chaplaincy in Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Pediatric Contexts

Authors

• Adam Lubbers, Children's Health
• Forest Melton, Children's Health
• Simbarashe Sigauke, Children's Health
• Sophie Le, Children's Health

Files

Description

This poster describes a pilot program that integrated chaplaincy services into the care pathway for pediatric patients and families who screened positive for low social support, a key social determinant of health. The findings suggest chaplain-led interventions provide effective emotional, spiritual, and practical support, helping address social isolation, caregiver burden, financial insecurity, and other health equity concerns while offering culturally responsive care.

Publication Date

2026

City

Dallas

Keywords

Social determinants of health (SDOH), social isolation, pediatric health equity, pediatric chaplaincy, spiritual care, health equity interventions, social support screening

Disciplines

Community-Based Research | Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Family, Life Course, and Society | Health and Medical Administration | Pediatric Nursing | Practical Theology | Public Health | Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion | Social Work

Recommended Citation

Lubbers, Adam; Melton, Forest; Sigauke, Simbarashe; and Le, Sophie, "Responding to Social Isolation: The Tole of Chaplaincy in Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Pediatric Contexts" (2026). 2026. 1.
https://scholarlycollection.childrens.com/healthequity-hes2026/1