Episode 048: Social Determinants of Health

Social Determinants of Health: What’s the big deal?

I’m sure you’ve heard a thing or two about social determinants of health (SDOH). It seems to be a topic that has grown in awareness over the past few years. Everyone from physicians organizations to healthcare tech companies appear to at least be aware of SDOH and how they may affect a patient’s clinical outcomes and overall health. In fact, as a professor, discussion of SDOH permeated most of the courses that taught, from psychosocial & mental health interventions to adult orthopedic rehabilitation. Many clinicians and healthcare professionals in school and training now receive discussion, resources, and information about SDOH. However, for many clinicians and professionals who have been out in the field, or are somewhat removed from the academic setting, SDOH can seem like a large amorphous topic. Some clinicians that I’ve spoken to even seem to think that understanding SDOH is a “good idea”, but they simply don’t have the resources and tools to “do anything practical” about it.

So, this week, I’m excited to share this conversation about SDOH. My guest this week, Josie Baker, is a Social Worker and head of social care at SODA Health. Josie and I worked together as consultants for a few years here in Georgia, helping transition individuals out of state hospitals and institutions to community settings. Prior to that project, I had heard of SDOH and understood that they had an impact of a person’s overall health & well-being, but didn’t really understand how to practically address them. Working on that project as part of an interdisciplinary team to help support these individuals really opened my eyes to the resources and tools available to address SDOH. In this episode, Josie and I have a discussion around SDOH ranging from a high-level overview down to practical tips, tricks, and resources. Josie was even kind enough to provide several resources in the show, which we have linked to down below.

What we cover in this Episode:

• An overview of SDOH
• Applying the Biopsychosocial Model as a way of addressing SDOH
• The importance of trust & building relationships with patients and clients
• How technology and innovation can help providers, payers, and organizations help patients address SDOH
• Using data to improve clinical care & better understand how SDOH are affecting patients
• The importance of communication & actually asking patients about SDOH
• Using a patient-centered approach to assessment & treatment
• How to achieve Better Outcomes by assessing and addressing SDOH

Connect with Josie & SODA Health

• Josie Baker (LinkedIn)
• Website SODA Health

Resources Discussed on this Episode

• University of California-San Francisco, Social Interventions Research & Evaluation Network (SIREN)
• PRAPARE Screening Tool (“Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient’s Assets, Risks, and Experiences”)
• American Academy of Family Physicians Social Needs Screening Tool
• www.findhelp.org
• World Health Organization (WHO) Social Determinants of Health

For More:

If you enjoyed this episode: Join Rafael E. Salazar II, MHS, OTR/L (Rafi), principal of Rehab U Practice Solutions and host of The Better Outcomes Show as he explores the possibilities of a new healthcare. Guests range from clinicians trying new techniques and treatments to executives and entrepreneurs exploring new service delivery methods, business models, and organizational structures. You can sign-up to receive new episodes delivered directly to your inbox by filling out the form at the top of this page.  Learn more about Rehab U Practice Solutions by reading The Manifesto for a New Healthcare, or listen to Episode 000.

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