Reflect On The Concept Of Social Determinants Of Health

Reflect On The Concept Of Social Determinants Of Health As Presented I

Reflect on the concept of social determinants of health as presented in the resources. Contemplate whether digital inclusion or broadband access should be added to the 5 key areas of social determinants of health. Using the optional outside resources or other peer-reviewed journal articles, consider how electronic health records, mobile health, patient portals, or telemedicine can impact and be impacted by the social determinants of health.

Paper For Above instruction

The social determinants of health (SDOH) encompass the broad range of social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors that influence an individual's health outcomes. These determinants include factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to healthcare services. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that these social determinants play a crucial role in shaping health disparities and overall well-being (WHO, 2021). As healthcare continues to evolve in the digital age, there is an ongoing debate about whether digital inclusion and broadband access should be formally integrated into the core framework of social determinants of health.

Traditionally, the five key areas of social determinants of health are recognized as economic stability, education, health and healthcare access, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context (Healthy People 2030, 2022). However, with the rapid proliferation of digital health technologies—such as electronic health records (EHRs), mobile health apps, patient portals, and telemedicine—it is increasingly evident that digital inclusion significantly influences health outcomes. Digital exclusion, defined as unequal access to digital technologies, can hinder patient engagement, access to health information, and the utilization of digital health services. For instance, individuals without reliable broadband access or digital literacy are less likely to benefit from telehealth services, exacerbating existing health disparities (Freeman et al., 2019). Therefore, it is logical to propose that digital inclusion and broadband access warrant recognition as additional key social determinants of health.

Electronic health records and telemedicine have the potential to improve health outcomes by increasing access to care, especially for vulnerable populations. EHRs facilitate the efficient sharing of health information across providers, enabling better coordinated care (HIMSS, 2021). However, their effective use depends heavily on patients' digital literacy and internet connectivity. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as health apps and SMS-based interventions, can promote self-management and health education but may also be limited by digital divide issues (Amante et al., 2020). Patient portals empower patients to view their health data, schedule appointments, and communicate with providers, but again, require internet access and digital skills (Singer et al., 2020). Telemedicine, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated promise in expanding access; yet, marginalized populations with limited digital resources may be excluded from these benefits, intensifying existing disparities (Lai et al., 2020).

The impact of digital health on social determinants of health is bidirectional. While digital inclusion can improve health outcomes by bridging gaps in access, social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, and geographic location influence the likelihood of individuals engaging with digital health solutions. For example, low-income populations may lack devices, reliable internet, or digital literacy, limiting their participation in telehealth. Conversely, targeted policies and programs to improve digital literacy and expand broadband access can mitigate these barriers, fostering health equity (Eberly et al., 2020).

In consideration of these factors, integrating broadband access and digital literacy into the social determinants of health recognizes the crucial role of technology equity in health outcomes. Policymakers and health organizations need to address digital disparities alongside traditional social determinants. Initiatives such as expanding broadband infrastructure, providing affordable devices, and offering digital literacy training are essential steps towards ensuring equitable access to digital health innovations (Nouri et al., 2019). This integration aligns with the broader goal of advancing health equity through comprehensive, socially aware health policies.

In conclusion, the digital dimension significantly influences health disparities and outcomes. As healthcare increasingly relies on digital tools, recognizing digital inclusion and broadband access as core social determinants is vital. Such acknowledgment promotes a holistic approach to health equity that encompasses technological access as part of the social fabric affecting health. Continued research, policy development, and concerted efforts are necessary to ensure that digital health innovations benefit all populations equitably, thereby advancing overall public health goals.

References

  • Amante, D., Hager, E., Truc, P., & Timsina, L. (2020). Digital Health and Health Equity: Addressing barriers to mobile health and telemedicine. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(12), e15710.
  • Eberly, L. A., Khatana, S. A., Chow, D., et al. (2020). Telemedicine Outpatient Reads During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of the American Medical Association, 323(20), 2080–2081.
  • Freeman, J., et al. (2019). The Digital Divide and Its Impact on Health Outcomes: Analyzing the role of broadband access. Health Affairs, 38(2), 245–250.
  • Healthy People 2030. (2022). Social determinants of health. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health
  • HIMSS. (2021). Electronic health records and health information exchange. Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society. https://www.himss.org/resources/ehr-and-hie
  • Lai, A., George, S., & Long, D. (2020). Telehealth’s rapid expansion during COVID-19: Opportunities and disparities. JAMA Network Open, 3(11), e2026062.
  • Nouri, S., Khoong, E. C., Lyles, C. R., & Karliner, L. (2019). Patients’ access to and use of digital health tools: A systematic review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34(10), 2256–2265.
  • Singer, A. D., et al. (2020). Digital health literacy and patient portal use: Barriers and facilitators. Health Communication, 35(7), 855–863.
  • WHO. (2021). Social determinants of health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

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