Addressing the Social Determinants of Health Through Whole Person Care

There are so many different elements that make up who we are as people – our genetics, our personality, our social circles, and the environment in which we live, to name a few. These factors play a significant role in our health and overall social, emotional and physical well-being.  

Health systems are beginning to focus towards a whole person care approach, a paradigm shift that embodies not only one’s physical health but also those non-medical factors known as the social determinants of health that have a great impact on care delivery and health outcomes. 

Addressing the social determinants of health expands beyond maintaining a healthy lifestyle; it involves consideration of the underlying factors that can inhibit a person’s ability to practice healthy habits. In adopting a whole-person care approach, healthcare professionals can address the root of the issue. Social determinants of health encompass behavioral, social and economic conditions such as: accessible healthcare and education systems, safe housing conditions, nutritious food availability, income level, access to clean drinking water, social support or community inclusivity, gender inequity, racial segregation – the list goes on. 

Consider the following example: An individual has been diagnosed with diabetes. They are considered low income and have a family they must support. The care team develops a treatment plan that includes regular doctor visits, daily medication, and a few lifestyle changes i.e regular exercise and a healthy diet. However, low income results in many barriers – they cannot afford to buy nutritious food. They have limited accessibility to transportation to doctor visits and pharmacies for medication. The individual lives in a neighborhood that is unsafe with limited access to parks and walking routes. In addition, the hardship and stress that comes along with supporting their family and managing a chronic disease can promote unhealthy coping mechanisms i.e heavy drinking and negatively impact one’s mental health. So now what?  

Some of these factors must be resolved at a societal level but it is clear that health systems must determine how to address barriers to care and minimize the impact on patient’s health. Treating a patient cannot begin and end in a hospital and if we want to create healthier populations, reduce hospital visits, help individuals live healthy lives in the community, we must take a holistic approach to patient care. 

So how can the health industry play their part? Stay tuned for our next article as we discuss how digital technology can address the social determinants of health and deliver holistic, patient-centered care.