Date of Graduation
Winter 12-15-2023
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Public Health (MPH)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Public Health
First Advisor
Laura Chyu
Abstract
There is an increasing acknowledgment that addressing the specific social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to health inequalities would improve the overall health and wellbeing of individuals. Arguably, hospitals and other healthcare systems are getting more conscious of their responsibilities in dealing with SDOHs, with an increase need to address these SDOHs to improve patients' healthcare outcomes and lessen the prevailing healthcare inequalities. To reach this aim, there is a need for screening and addressing SDOH at different levels, including healthcare system. This paper examined the existing evidence-based practices that screen and address social determinants of health (SDOH) among disadvantaged patients at the hospital level. We identified several gaps in the present healthcare system's efforts to screen for SDOH among their patients; and proposed hands-on solutions to close the existing gaps, including standardized screening tools and patient referral procedures, and adequate training for all healthcare practitioners. This review also offers hospitals and healthcare systems recommendations on effectively addressing the prevailing SDOHs. In conclusion establishing cooperative relationships with community-based organizations and carrying out targeted interventions for disadvantaged populations is crucial to address SDOH issues. Policymakers, stakeholders, and healthcare providers must collaborate to implement these recommendations into action in order to lessen the detrimental effects of SDOH on patients' healthcare outcomes and healthcare disparities.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Lanna N., "Social Determinants of Health: Evidence-Based Practices for Hospitals to Screen and Address their Patients’ Needs" (2023). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1622.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1622
