Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in Primary Care: A Pilot Study

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.