How do social determinants of health impact patient care?

Social determinants of health encompass a range of factors that can significantly affect an individual’s health and access to healthcare services. These determinants include economic stability, education, social and community context, health care access, and the built environment. When considering patient care, these factors play a crucial role in determining how effectively patients can engage with health services and the quality of those services.

For instance, individuals living in poverty may struggle to afford transportation to medical appointments, leading to missed visits and delayed treatments. Those in less safe neighborhoods might experience higher levels of stress or health risks, impacting their mental and physical well-being. Education also plays a pivotal role, influencing health literacy, or the ability to understand health information and navigate the healthcare system.

Overall, social determinants lead to inequalities that can result in varying health outcomes across different populations. Understanding these influences helps healthcare professionals tailor approaches to meet the specific needs of patients, create equitable care pathways, and ultimately improve health outcomes by addressing the root causes of health disparities. This holistic approach to patient care emphasizes the importance of looking beyond clinical symptoms to understand the broader context affecting an individual's health.