Charlottesville-based University of Virginia Health System integrated a digital referral network with its EHR to better connect patients with community resources that address their social determinants of health needs.
Pieces Iris is a cloud-based case management platform that helps communities target SDOH, including access to healthy foods, safe and stable housing, reliable transportation and well-paying employment. The platform aims to connect healthcare organizations with community groups to jointly improve SDOH.
UVA Health and several local community-based organizations joined the Pieces Iris Community Group in July 2018, with the goal of implementing technology to share the most up-to-date information about resources, referral processes and eligibility criteria between organizations.
"There are dozens of programs and services available to community members, but it can be quite challenging to stay up-to-date on what is available and for whom," said Elizabeth Beasley, director of community partnerships at UVA Health, according to a news release.
By adding Pieces Iris technology, UVA Health will be able to increase collaboration and communication with the participating organizations on behalf of its patients and residents.
The community organizations participating in the network will go live with Pieces Iris later this month. Some of the organizations include Central Virginia Health Services, Charlottesville Free Clinic and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.