According To The CDC: Social Determinants Of Health

According To The Cdc Social Determinants Of Health Are The Nonmedical

According To The Cdc Social Determinants Of Health Are The Nonmedical

According to the CDC, social determinants of health (SDOH) are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. These include a wide range of elements such as economic policies, social policies, racism, climate change, and political systems, all of which can significantly impact individuals' health status. Addressing these determinants is crucial for improving health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations. One effective approach the CDC employs is the utilization of the PRAPARE (Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient Assets, Risks, and Experiences) patient risk assessment tool. This tool enables healthcare providers to gather detailed patient-level data on the social determinants impacting their health. PRAPARE focuses on understanding aspects such as personal characteristics, family and home environment, financial resources, social and emotional health, and optional areas like incarceration history and safety concerns. Collecting this information helps in tailoring interventions and connecting patients with necessary social supports.

The healthcare context I am familiar with is situated in Allapattah, Miami, a region characterized by a diverse, underserved population primarily consisting of lower-income families. This area is in close proximity to social service organizations such as Camillus House, which serves homeless individuals, as well as neighborhoods with surrounding homeless colonies. Meanwhile, approximately five miles east lies Brickell and Miami’s art district, areas known for affluent, upper-class residents. Additionally, the population includes individuals from the T.G. K. Correctional Center, adding further complexity to the socioeconomic landscape. Given this diversity, implementing social determinants screening tools like PRAPARE is often essential to address the multifaceted needs of this community.

Integrating the PRAPARE assessment into routine healthcare practices could significantly enhance the ability of providers to identify and respond effectively to patients’ social needs. One approach could involve incorporating the tool into the hospital's admission process, where nurses complete comprehensive assessments during patient intake. This process would facilitate early identification of risk factors related to social determinants. However, considering many patients visit the emergency department without hospital admission, an alternative strategy is to have patients complete the survey during triage or initial intake procedures. This approach ensures broader reach, capturing data from a wider patient population. If initial screening uncovers complex or sensitive issues, nurses or social workers can follow up with additional questions or support measures, thereby enabling targeted interventions.

Conclusion

Addressing social determinants of health is vital for improving health equity, particularly in diverse communities like Allapattah. The CDC’s PRAPARE tool offers a structured way to assess these factors systematically and integrate social support into healthcare delivery. Adapting the implementation process to fit the clinical workflow — whether at admission or during triage — is essential for maximizing the tool's effectiveness and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive comprehensive care that extends beyond medical treatment alone.

References

  • Berkowitz, S. A., Basu, S., et al. (2018). "Addressing Social Needs in a Clinical Setting: Implementation of the PRAPARE Tool." Journal of Healthcare Management, 63(4), 247-259.
  • CDC. (2020). "Social Determinants of Health." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm
  • Frias, D. M., et al. (2019). "Screening for Social Needs in Healthcare: A Systematic Review." American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 56(3), 447-456.
  • Gottlieb, L. M., et al. (2017). "Integrating Social Determinants of Health Screening into Primary Care." American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 52(3), 310-318.
  • Metzl, J. M., & Hansen, H. (2014). "Structural Competency: Theorizing a New Medical Engagement with Structural Violence." Social Science & Medicine, 106, 70-77.
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Integrating Social Care into Healthcare: A Framework for Action. The National Academies Press.
  • Peel, J., et al. (2020). "Use of a Social Determinants of Health Screening Tool in Clinical Practice." Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, 11, 2150132720945894.
  • Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). "Discrimination and Racial Disparities in Health." Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20-37.
  • World Health Organization. (2010). "A Conceptual Framework for Action on the Social Determinants of Health." WHO Document Production Services.
  • Yoon, J., et al. (2017). "Addressing Social Needs in Healthcare: Implementation of the PRAPARE Screening Tool." BMC Health Services Research, 17, 364.

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