TITLE:
Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in Primary Care: A Pilot Study
AUTHORS:
Savannah Dimick, Richard G. Stefanacci, Marilyn R. Gugliucci
KEYWORDS:
Social Determinants of Health, Clinical Screening, Primary Care, Federally Qualified Health Center
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.10 No.4,
April
19,
2022
ABSTRACT: The significant impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on the health of
Americans is increasingly being recognized. Within primary care, there are gaps
in identifying SDoH needs and best practice on intervening in these situations.
The aim of this pilot study was to assess how patient SDoH needs are identified
and addressed by health care providers who are associated with representative
primary care. A survey study design consisting of eight closed questions and
two open-ended questions was distributed to health care providers practicing in
the Maine Federally Qualified Health Centers. Data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics. Results provided support for physicians and mid-level
providers with how to identify SDoH needs of their patients. As the biggest
barriers to identification were lack of time and support, institutions need to
provide physicians with adequate time and resource support to complete this
task. Addressing SDoH should be the responsibility of a Social Worker on the
care team. One type of provider (i.e., social worker or a staff position that
requires public health education) should be dedicated to finding resources, how
to access them, and providing this detailed information to the physicians and
mid-level providers. Each primary care practice is best positioned to make the
decision as to which positions should be responsible for identifying and
addressing SDOHs gaps for their patients. Creating a plan within health care
organizations for identifying and addressing patient SDoH needs aids in
mitigating patients’ risks and increases their health outcomes while improving
quality of life.