Social Determinants of Health and Their Importance
Healthcare professionals around the world have consistently emphasized the importance of social determinants of health (SDOH) in predicting and addressing health disparities. SDOH are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that can affect a wide range of health outcomes and risks. These can include social, economic, and environmental factors like education, income, housing, food security, and community resources. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), SDOH account for more than 50% of health outcomes.
The Need for SDOH Screening Tools
Healthcare professionals often find it challenging to assess and address SDOH in the clinical setting, particularly for vulnerable populations. One solution is to utilize a screening tool designed to help identify a patient’s social, economic, and environmental challenges that may impact their health outcomes. SDOH screening tools can help healthcare providers identify patients who are in need of specific interventions and connect them with the appropriate resources.
Benefits of SDOH Screening Tools
SDOH screening tools have numerous benefits that can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Here are a few:
Early Intervention and Treatment
Using an SDOH screening tool can help healthcare providers identify patients who are at risk of adverse health outcomes due to social, economic, or environmental factors. Based on the results of the screening, healthcare providers can offer targeted interventions and treatments that address the specific challenges faced by the patient.
Improved Communication and Trust
SDOH screening tools require patients to answer sensitive questions about their personal life, which can help healthcare providers build trust and improve communication. Patients who feel that their healthcare provider is interested in their wellbeing are more likely to engage in their healthcare and work towards positive health outcomes.
Reduced Healthcare Costs
SDOH screening and intervention can help reduce healthcare costs associated with unnecessary hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and other procedures. By addressing social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes, healthcare providers can help patients manage their health, and prevent costly complications.
Examples of SDOH Screening Tools
Several SDOH screening tools exist, including The Accountable Health Community’s Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool and the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE). These tools are designed to be administered by healthcare providers, either in-person or online, and cover multiple social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes.
Conclusion
With the growing recognition of SDOH in healthcare, screening tools that assess social, economic, and environmental factors are becoming increasingly important in improving patient outcomes. Healthcare providers who utilize these tools can offer more targeted interventions, improve communication and trust with patients, and reduce healthcare costs. By addressing social determinants of health, healthcare providers can help promote health equity and support patients in achieving optimal health outcomes.
