- Reflect on the concept of social determinants of health as presented in the resources.
- Contemplate whether digital inclusion or broad band access should be added to the 5 key areas of social determinants of health.
- Using the optional outside resources or other peer reviewed journal articles, consider how electronic health records, mobile health, patient portals, or telemedicine can impact and be impacted by the social determinants of health.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and they significantly impact health outcomes. The five key areas of SDOH as defined by Healthy People 2020 include:
- Economic Stability
- Education
- Social and Community Context
- Health and Health Care
- Neighborhood and Built Environment
Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access as a Social Determinant of Health:
Digital inclusion and broadband access are increasingly recognized as crucial components of modern life, impacting access to education, employment, social services, and healthcare. Here’s why they could be considered as a sixth key area of SDOH:
- Access to Information: Broadband access enables individuals to access health information and resources online, improving health literacy and empowering individuals to make informed health decisions.
- Telehealth Services: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of telemedicine. Broadband access allows for remote consultations, reducing barriers to healthcare access, especially in rural or underserved areas.
- Health Monitoring: Mobile health (mHealth) applications and wearable devices rely on internet connectivity to monitor and manage chronic conditions in real-time, facilitating proactive healthcare.
- Social Connectivity: Broadband access helps maintain social connections, which is crucial for mental health and well-being, especially for isolated or vulnerable populations.
Impact of Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Mobile Health, Patient Portals, and Telemedicine:
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs): EHRs facilitate the seamless exchange of patient information across healthcare providers, improving coordination of care, reducing medical errors, and enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery. However, disparities in broadband access can hinder the utilization of EHRs in remote or underserved areas.
- Mobile Health (mHealth): mHealth applications provide patients with tools to manage their health, from medication reminders to chronic disease management. The effectiveness of mHealth is dependent on digital literacy and broadband access, which can be limited in certain populations.
- Patient Portals: Patient portals allow individuals to access their health information, communicate with healthcare providers, and schedule appointments online. These portals can enhance patient engagement and self-management, but disparities in digital access and literacy can limit their use among disadvantaged groups.
- Telemedicine: Telemedicine expands healthcare access to remote and underserved populations by providing virtual consultations. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine is contingent on reliable internet access and digital literacy, highlighting the need for equitable broadband access.
Conclusion:
Integrating digital inclusion and broadband access into the SDOH framework acknowledges the critical role of technology in contemporary healthcare. Addressing disparities in digital access can enhance the effectiveness of EHRs, mHealth, patient portals, and telemedicine, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities.
References:
- Healthy People 2020. (n.d.). Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from Healthy People 2020
- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from Health.gov