What are the Social Determinants of Health?
The World Health Organization defines social determinants of health (SDOH) as "the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age." These factors include socioeconomic status, education, employment, housing, and access to healthcare services. Research has consistently shown that these social determinants play a significant role in shaping health outcomes. For example, individuals with lower incomes are more likely to experience poor health due to limited access to nutritious food, safe housing, and preventive healthcare services.
Vital social determinants include:
Economic Stability: Socioeconomic status, employment opportunities, income level, and financial security significantly impact access to housing, food, and healthcare.
Education: Educational attainment influences health outcomes by shaping individuals' knowledge, skills, access to employment opportunities, income, and healthcare.
Social and Community Context: Social support networks, community cohesion, discrimination, and exposure to crime and violence can influence mental health, stress levels, and access to healthcare services.
Healthcare Access and Quality: Access to healthcare services, health insurance coverage, and the quality of care received are crucial in determining health outcomes and disparities.
Neighborhood and Physical Environment: Environmental factors such as housing quality, air and water quality, access to green spaces, transportation options, and neighborhood safety impact health behaviors and outcomes.
Why are U.S. Healthcare Systems Addressing Social Determinants of Health?
Pursuing health equity means striving for the highest possible standard of health for all people and paying particular attention to the needs of those most significantly at risk of poor health due to social conditions. Action requires equitable access to healthcare and working outside the healthcare system to address broader social well-being and development.
Ultimately, addressing SDOH aims to improve population health outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, healthcare providers are trying to reduce healthcare costs and improve the overall efficiency
What Steps Are Clinicians Taking to Help Identify Social Determinants of Health?
Establish a patient baseline, which is a strong level of understanding that will help inform all communications and tests from day one and beyond.
Practitioners (nurses, PAs, Physicians, and clinicians) conduct a "social awareness screening," which is an assessment of risk factors.
Well-informed clinicians make more informed diagnoses and more impactful treatment plans. It also includes focusing on prevention and early intervention and may include collaboration with additional community resources. Hence, patients have access to the education and care they need.
Amidst these challenges, a powerful tool has emerged – video storytelling. It's become a vital strategy for healthcare systems to combat SDOH and promote health equity in their communities. By amplifying voices, raising awareness, engaging diverse audiences, empowering patients, and inspiring collaboration, videos can drive meaningful change and create healthier, more equitable societies.
As healthcare systems continue to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of their communities, video storytelling, such as HealthSight Media’s Social Determinants of Health and Whole Person Care, will undoubtedly remain a valuable tool in their arsenal.
HealthSight Media - We are award-winning producers with deep experience in television, news, and documentaries who produce high-quality videos exclusively for healthcare organizations. Our rich storytelling experience helps healthcare providers enhance patient engagement and education in today's digital-first environment. Our deep knowledge of hospital systems, regulations, and protocols is invaluable to our clients.
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Citations:
Healthy People 2030, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved [date graphic was accessed], from https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health
Health Equity, 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/whatis/index.html