Addressing Social Dterminants of Health

In healthcare, there has been a realization, in recent years, spreading through the industry regarding the impact of social determinants of healthcare. Researchers now see there is a relationship between a patient’s health and their economic status, education, safety, and other social determinants. If one were to step back, they would see that these are also the social determinants of all the topics listed above. Goals for economic development, education, public safety and the others cannot be achieved without addressing the other social determinants.

A truly comprehensive approach needs to be made that recognizes the work that needs to be done across all aspects of the community if any of these individual areas are to be improved. The challenge before us is leaders and professionals involved in any of the topic areas are not familiar with how to impact the social determinants that reside outside of their own knowledge area.