Top 3 Areas to Improve Social Determinants of Health
Healthcare organizations can start to improve social determinants of health (SDOH) by understanding the needs of the community in regard to population health.
Employment to Improve Social Determinants of Health
Having a job that enables someone to support themselves or their family is the foundation to improve social determinants of health. For those luck enough to have jobs that include health benefits they have better opportunities for improved health. However, not everyone has a job that includes health benefits. These people working part-time or contract labor need options to access affordable healthcare.
When patients or members are underemployed or unemployed they may not have access to healthcare or if they do the cost of healthcare is not affordable and requires a significant portion of their income to actually use. Because of this they may delay using the services or not use the services at all.
Healthcare providers and payers can work in their local communities to help support job education and training programs. They can identify and create internship programs that help people get required skills to get higher paying jobs. What programs are in your area already that you can leverage?
Housing to Improve Social Determinants of Health
Where people live and the conditions of their housing is another critical element to improve social determinants of health in populations. Healthcare organizations need to understand where their members live and what services are nearby to provide a positive housing situation. Healthcare providers and payers can work with local community groups to improve the housing availability in their local community.
Once you have identified a person that is in need of housing. You must have a method to connect them to the local resources that can best help their unique situation. Without this type of help, overall health will not be able to improve on an individual level. What can you do as a medical professional or healthcare payer to partner with local groups to ensure people that need assistance can get the help they need?
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Transportation to Improve Social Determinants of Health
Lack of transportation or reliable transportation options is a critical need to improve social determinants of health outcomes. Without a means to travel to required appointments or pick up prescription drugs. People are not able to get the care they need when they need it. Lack of care will lead to increase claims, higher risk of health issues, and emergency rooms being utilized as the first line of care.
Luckily telehealth is becoming more acceptable due to the COVID pandemic. Telehealth visits enable more care than previously available to those that are transportation challenged. Access to this service can help with initial diagnosis and some aspects of preventative care. However, it does not replace an in-person wellcare visit complete with labs.
Transportation issues also impact the ability for people to access other services in the community. Inability to access to grocery stores, pharmacies, religious gathering or community centers limits a person’s ability to get additional assistance that may be available to them.
Improve Social Determinants of Health
Improving social determinants of health can lead to better health outcomes for individuals and communities. For example, improving access to nutritious food through policies such as providing incentives for grocery stores to open in underserved areas, can lead to decreased rates of obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes. Providing access to affordable housing can also lead to improved health outcomes by reducing stress, improving mental health, and decreasing the risk of exposure to environmental hazards.
Additionally, access to education and employment can improve health outcomes by increasing income and economic stability, which can lead to better access to healthcare, healthier living conditions, and decreased exposure to stressful environments.
Overall, addressing social determinants of health is essential to improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities, as it can lead to more equitable and healthier communities.
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