Health Literacy, Health Information Technology (HIT) on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics.

Sample Solution

Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Leveraging Health IT for Equitable Care

Social determinants of health (SDOH) – factors like income, education, housing, and social support – significantly impact patient outcomes. Nurses, as patient advocates, can play a crucial role in addressing these barriers and promoting health equity. Here are some strategies:

Strategies for Addressing SDOH:

• Screening and Assessment: Integrate SDOH screening into patient intake processes. Use standardized tools to identify social risk factors impacting health. (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016)
• Community Partnerships: Build relationships with social service agencies, food banks, and community health centers. Provide referrals and connect patients with resources to address unmet social needs. (American Nurses Association, 2019)
• Patient Education: Empower patients by educating them about SDOH and how they can advocate for themselves. Provide resources and tools to navigate social service systems. This can involve using plain language and considering cultural backgrounds when communicating. (Healthy People 2030, n.d.)

Utilizing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Equitable Care:

• Patient Portal Access: Ensure equitable access to patient portals for all demographics. Offer translated materials and training to bridge the digital divide. Patient portals empower patients to manage their health information and communicate with providers. (The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, 2020)

Full Answer Section

• Telehealth Integration: Telehealth can expand access to care, especially for patients in underserved communities. Nurses can leverage telehealth for consultations, medication management, and chronic disease management. However, addressing issues like internet access and technological literacy is crucial for equitable implementation. (American Telemedicine Association, 2023)
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Use electronic health records (EHR) data to identify disparities in patient care based on social factors. These insights can inform targeted interventions and resource allocation to address existing inequities.

Conclusion:

By actively addressing SDOH and strategically utilizing HIT, nurses can foster a more equitable healthcare system. Implementing these strategies requires collaboration between nurses, healthcare organizations, and community partners. This commitment to social justice and leveraging technology can ensure all patients receive the care they need to thrive.

References:

• American Nurses Association. (2019, January). Position statement: Health equity and social determinants of health. https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-23-2018/number-3-september-2018/os-social-determinants-of-health/
• American Telemedicine Association. (2023, January 10). Telehealth and the social determinants of health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8019343/
• Healthy People 2030. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Integrating social determinants of health into quality improvement and patient safety programs: Workshop summary. National Academies Press. https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/integrating-social-needs-care-into-the-delivery-of-health-care-to-improve-the-nations-health
• The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. (2020, December 17). Health equity. https://www.healthit.gov/topic/health-equity