COUNTDOWN DAY 8: Social Determinants of Health
When it comes to assessing and improving healthcare outcomes, it is not just about medical conditions and treatment. Understanding the social determinants of health (SDOH), that encompass various factors affecting people’s lives and impacting their well-being is crucial. These include socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks. The SDOH play a significant role in shaping an individual’s overall health as well as access to healthcare.
To address the impact of the SDOH, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has identified seven critical data elements for cross-setting standardization in assessment:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Preferred language
- Interpreter services
- Health literacy
- Transportation
- Social isolation
Collecting data on these social determinants of health is about more than just checking boxes. It is an opportunity to gain insight into residents’ lives, beliefs, and values. The responses obtained during resident interviews paint a more comprehensive picture of potential barriers each resident may face upon discharge. By acknowledging and addressing these barriers, healthcare providers can better set residents up for success and in turn, reduce hospital readmissions and foster sustainable outcomes.
Be on the lookout for tomorrow’s blog: Additions, Modifications, and Clarifications.
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