Review of strategies to address social determinants of health and health disparities to improve health outcomes
Social Determinants of Health,
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2019),
4 February 2020
,
Page 207-215
https://doi.org/10.22037/sdh.v5i3.25413
Abstract
Background: In the United States, medical care accounts for roughly 10% of health outcomes. All other contributions to health outcomes are attributed to genetics, environment, social circumstances, and behaviors. These categories are collectively known as social determinants of health (SDOH), which can cause health inequities and disparities. It is becoming increasingly important to address the underlying factors of health outcomes as reimbursement for quality of care becomes the norm in the United States.
Methods: A literature review using Google Scholar was conducted to identify strategies that health care organizations can implement to address social determinants of health within their communities.
Results: At the organizational level, a robust population health management program and screening for social determinants are important to identify patients who may need assistance with social determinants of health. Technology is a critical tool for success with these endeavors; however, organizations must be cognizant of physician burnout. At the community level, community partnerships are necessary to extend care outside of the hospital’s walls. Additionally, selecting medical conditions associated with key social determinants is a practical approach to measuring return on investment.
Conclusion: Effectively integrating new programs, technology, and community partnerships that target the vulnerable populations into a healthcare organization can prove to be beneficial in improving health outcomes and lowering healthcare costs.
- Population Health Management
- Quality of Health Care
- Social Determinants of Health
How to Cite
References
Reid T. How we spend $3,400,000,000,000. The Atlantic; 2017. Available from: https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/06/how-we-spend-3400000000000/530355/. Accessed May 14, 2018.
Sawyer B, Sroczynski N. How do health expenditures vary across the population? Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker; 2017. Available from: https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/chart-collection/health-expenditures-vary-across-population/. Accessed May 14, 2018.
Artiga S, Hinton E. Beyond health care: the role of social determinants in promoting health and health equity. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation; 2018. Available from: https://www.kff.org/disparities-policy/issue-brief/beyond-health-care-the-role-of-social-determinants-in-promoting-health-and-health-equity/. Accessed June 10, 2018.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Social determinants of health: guide to social needs screening tool and resources. The EveryONE Project; 2018. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/everyone_project/sdoh-guide.pdf. Accessed July 10, 2018.
American Academy of Family Physicians. Neighborhood Navigator. The EveryONE Project; 2018. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/patient-care/social-determinants-of-health/everyone-project/neighborhood-navigator.html. Accessed October 11, 2018.
Kaiser Family Foundation. Key facts about the uninsured population; 2017. Available from https://www.kff.org/uninsured/fact-sheet/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/. Accessed October 11, 2018.
Heath S. What are the top common social determinants of health? Patient Engagement HIT; 2017. Available from: https://patientengagementhit.com/news/what-are-the-top-common-social-determinants-of-health. Accessed October 11, 2018.
Williams D, Costa M, Odunlami A, and Mohammad S. Moving upstream: how interventions that address the social determinants of health can improve health and reduce disparities. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2008; Suppl 14: S8-17.
Gottlieb L, Tirozzi K, Manchanda R, Burns A, and Sandel M. Moving electronic medical records upstream: incorporating social determinants of health. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2015; 48(2): 215-218.
Cantor M, Thorpe L. Integrating data on social determinants of health into electronic health records. Health Affairs. 2018; 37(4): 585-590.
Schulte K. Epic healthy planet creates healthier patients. Virtelligence; 2016. Available from: https://virtelligence.com/blog/epic-healthy-planet-creates-healthier-patients/. Accessed July 15, 2018.
- Abstract Viewed: 774 times
- PDF Downloaded: 337 times