What is the PRAPARE tool used for in patient navigation?

The PRAPARE tool is designed specifically to assess social determinants of health. This tool helps patient navigators and healthcare providers identify and understand the various social factors that can impact a patient's health and overall wellbeing. By gathering information on aspects such as socioeconomic status, housing stability, education level, and access to food and transportation, healthcare professionals can gain insights into the challenges patients may face outside of clinical settings.

Recognizing these determinants is crucial because they play a significant role in patient health outcomes and can inform more tailored and effective care plans. Understanding a patient's social context enables navigators to connect them with appropriate resources and support systems that address their specific barriers to health. This approach ultimately aims to improve health equity and the quality of care provided to diverse populations.