The social determinates of health include factors other than access to health care, such as socioeconomic status, economic stability, access to quality education, physical environment, support networks, employment, etc. Although efforts to improve healthcare within the United States usually point to responsibilities within the healthcare system, there is a growing recognition that these social determinants of health are also critical—from the individual to the population level.
As a DNP-prepared nurse, you will consider and address the social determinants of health when working with patients. Think about the ways in which this will positively impact your patients’ experiences and outcomes, as well as the communities you serve.
Post the following:
• An explanation of the importance and value of taking the SDoH into consideration as a DNP-prepared nurse.
• Identify the one SDoH Domain you selected and explain why it is particularly important to you.
• An explanation of why and how you intend to shift your thinking and practice related to the SDoH from the patient-level to the organizational, community, and/or larger field of nursing levels. Be specific, provide examples, and cite the three scholarly resources you identified to support your points.
Full Answer Section
Factors such as limited access to quality healthcare, unhealthy living environments, and stress contribute to these disparities.
Shifting Thinking and Practice
To effectively address SDOH at various levels, I intend to shift my thinking and practice in the following ways:
Patient Level:
- Conduct Comprehensive Assessments: I will conduct thorough assessments to identify patients' social needs, including housing, food security, and transportation.
- Provide Individualized Care: I will develop individualized care plans that address both medical and social needs, connecting patients to appropriate community resources.
- Advocate for Patients: I will advocate for patients' needs, including access to affordable housing, nutritious food, and healthcare.
Organizational Level:
- Collaborate with Community Partners: I will collaborate with community organizations, such as social service agencies, to create partnerships that address SDOH.
- Implement Screening Tools: I will advocate for the implementation of screening tools to identify patients at risk for social and economic hardships.
- Develop Interdisciplinary Teams: I will work with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans that address the full spectrum of patient needs.
Community Level:
- Participate in Community Health Initiatives: I will actively participate in community health initiatives that aim to improve social determinants of health.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: I will advocate for policies that address social inequalities and promote health equity.
- Educate the Public: I will educate the public about the impact of SDOH on health and encourage them to advocate for change.
Scholarly Support:
- Braveman, P. A., & Gottlieb, L. H. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the causes of the cause. American Journal of Public Health, 104(3), 380-382. This article emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of health disparities, such as poverty and discrimination.
- Marmot, M. G., & Wilkinson, R. G. (2005). Social determinants of health. The Lancet, 365(9464), 1077-1079. This article highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic inequalities on health outcomes.
- *World Health Organization. (2010). Social determinants of health: The concepts and evidence base. World Health Organization. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the social determinants of health and their impact on global health.
By incorporating SDOH into my practice, I can contribute to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Sample Answer
As a DNP-prepared nurse, recognizing and addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) is paramount to improving patient outcomes and promoting overall well-being. SDOH encompass a wide range of factors, including socioeconomic status, education, housing, food security, and social support, that significantly influence health. By considering these factors, we can move beyond a traditional biomedical approach to healthcare and adopt a more holistic perspective.
The Importance of the Selected SDOH Domain
For this discussion, I have selected socioeconomic status as the most critical SDOH. Socioeconomic status, encompassing income, education, and occupation, has a profound impact on health outcomes. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to experience poor health, chronic diseases, and premature mortality.