Call to action: consistent measurement of social determinants of health

Access to quality healthcare depends on the accurate evaluation of social determinants of health (SDOH), but the healthcare industry has placed insufficient effort on this according to the authors of a new Commentary. The Commentary, titled “A Call for Consistent Measurement Across the SDOH Industry Landscape,” is published in the peer-reviewed journal Population Health Management. Click here to read the article now.

SDOH include the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, as well as the complex interrelated social structures, and economic systems that shape these conditions. SDOH can be used to predict premature morbidity and mortality. They disproportionately impact people of color.

Corresponding author Ellen Rudy, PhD, Vice President of Research & Impact at Papa, a curated platform of companionship and support, and coauthors, observe that increased funding for SDOH interventions by payers together with disjointed SDOH intervention management strategies by providers has led to the emergence of companies addressing SDOH. These companies offer services such as meal delivery, transportation to medical appointments or social activities, and companionship and personal assistance in the home.

However, the authors note that little focus has been placed on the rigorous evaluation of SDOH interventions used by companies in this industry, increasing the risk that they will have a limited impact. The authors call on all stakeholders to have an active role in the dialogue and actions it informs surrounding the demand for new measurements to evaluate SDOH need, both broadly and among people of color. “With the size and scope of the SDOH industry and its interventions increasing rapidly, an inconsistent approach to measurement risks their promise,” state the authors. To drive stakeholder discussion and support action, they also present a successful example of an SDOH intervention evaluation in a for-profit Industry company.

“We can only improve what we measure, so we better make sure we are measuring the right outcomes,” says David Nash, MD, MBA, a coauthor of the article, Editor-in-Chief of Population Health Management and Founding Dean Emeritus and Dr. Raymond C. and Doris N. Grandon Professor, Jefferson College of Population Health, Philadelphia, PA.

About the Journal
Population Health Management is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published bimonthly in print and online that reflects the expanding scope of health care management and quality. The Journal delivers a comprehensive, integrated approach to the field of population health and provides information designed to improve the systems and policies that affect health care quality, access, and outcomes. Comprised of peer-reviewed original research papers, clinical research, and case studies, the content encompasses a broad range of chronic diseases (such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, depression, and obesity) in addition to focusing on various aspects of prevention and wellness. Tables of Contents and a sample issue may be viewed on the Population Health Management website. Population Health Management is the official journal of the Population Health Alliance.

About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research. A complete list of the firm’s more than 100 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.