Concepts of health and US values and the history of health care services
Based on your understanding of concepts of health and US values and the history of health care services, why do you think concepts like Social Determinants of Health have not been used as much in the health care industry? In your answer. you can consider the prevailing medical model (p. 53), anthro-cultural beliefs and values (pp. 84-86), and the history of health care services (132-134).
Sample Solution
The social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age. These conditions include things like income, education, housing, employment, and access to healthcare. The SDOH have a profound impact on health, and they are responsible for much of the health inequities that we see in the United States.Full Answer Section
There are a number of reasons why the SDOH have not been used as much in the health care industry.
- The prevailing medical model: The prevailing medical model focuses on individual-level factors, such as genetics and lifestyle choices, as the primary determinants of health. This model has led to a focus on treating diseases rather than addressing the underlying social and environmental conditions that contribute to ill health.
- Anthro-cultural beliefs and values: Antho-cultural beliefs and values can also play a role in how the SDOH are perceived and addressed. For example, some cultures may place a higher value on individual responsibility for health than on collective responsibility. This can make it difficult to implement interventions that address the SDOH, as they may be seen as infringing on individual liberties.
- The history of health care services: The history of health care services in the United States has also contributed to the under-emphasis on the SDOH. For much of American history, health care was seen as a private good, and the government played a limited role in providing it. This focus on individual responsibility has persisted, even as the role of government in health care has expanded.
Despite these challenges, there is growing recognition of the importance of the SDOH in health. There is a movement underway to shift the focus of health care from treating diseases to addressing the social and environmental determinants of health. This movement is gaining momentum, and it is likely that the SDOH will play an increasingly important role in health care in the years to come.
Here are some specific examples of how the SDOH can be addressed in health care:
- Health care providers can screen patients for social risk factors and connect them with resources to address these factors. For example, a doctor might screen a patient for food insecurity and connect them with a food bank or other resources.
- Health care organizations can develop policies and practices that promote health equity. For example, an organization might offer transportation assistance to patients who need it to get to their appointments.
- Governments can invest in policies that address the SDOH, such as affordable housing and quality education. These investments can have a significant impact on health, and they can help to reduce health inequities.
By addressing the SDOH, we can improve the health of individuals and communities. We can also create a more just and equitable health care system.