Enhanced Digital Access to Bridge Social Needs and Reduce Health Disparities: The e-SINCERE Study

Summary

The e-SINCERE study will evaluate whether providing stable cell phones and digital navigation assistance helps patients overcome ICT barriers and connect more successfully with community services. The study will begin with patients in the UHealth ED, with additional sites added in the future, and will involve working with community service providers and policy leaders to refine and implement the intervention. Findings from this study may guide the development of future programs and policies to improve access to services for patients facing economic and technological barriers.

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Other
  Standard Referral to 211

  Participants receive a standard referral to United Way 211 for assistance with social needs. 211 specialists contact referred patients, provide available service referrals, and follow up in an ad-hoc manner as per standard 211 protocols.

• Behavioral
  e-SINCERE (Phone Support)

  Participants receive a study-provided cellphone to ensure stable phone access. Using this device, participants are connected to United Way 211 specialists, who provide referral services for identified social needs. This intervention focuses on overcoming communication barriers that might otherwise prevent successful service connection.

• Behavioral
  e-SINCERE (Digital Navigation)

  Participants receive a study-provided TracFone and direct support from a trained Digital Navigator. The Digital Navigator assists participants with accessing United Way 211 services, troubleshooting barriers to phone or internet use, and reinforcing follow-through on referrals. This arm is designed to provide enhanced, structured navigation support to address digital access barriers and increase successful service connections.

Location