SDOH Matters Too! Patient and Care Team Perspectives on Screening for SDOH

Authors:
Sharmon P. Osae, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Reviewers:
Carla Cobb, PharmD, BCPP
Tyler Kiles, PharmD., BC-ADM

Citation:
Rudisill AC, Eicken MGA, Gupta D, et al. Patient and Care Team Perspectives on Social Determinants of Health Screening in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(11): e2345444.

The Problem

Identifying and addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) influences health outcomes and can positively impact health equity in our society.¹ SDOH are non-medical factors such as the conditions in which people are born, grow, learn, work, and live that affect health, functioning, and quality of life.^1,2 An estimated 20-55% of health outcomes are directly related to SDOH.² While health systems in the US are screening for SDOH more often, information on how to improve screening efficiency and effectiveness is lacking. As “the most accessible healthcare provider,” pharmacists can serve as agents of change, using their unique skillsets, their accessibility to communities, and their knowledge to screen, provide recommendations, and collaborate with other professionals to address various SDOH challenges.³