Assignment task:
Introduction
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are nonmedical factors impacting health outcomes, encompassing individuals' life conditions and the broader influences shaping daily living. SDOH, a priority area alongside health equity and health literacy in Healthy People 2030, defines national objectives across various domains which include, healthcare access and quality, economic stability, and access and quality. SDOH examples in Healthy People 2030 include housing security, transportation access, environmental factors, and nutritious food availability (Johnson, et al., 2022).
The Importance of Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access as Key Social Determinants of Health
Incorporating digital inclusion and broadband access into the SDOH framework acknowledges the profound impact that technology has on health outcomes and health disparities. For example, Digital inclusion is crucial for healthcare access and quality, especially in rural areas with limited broadband access, as it restricts patients' ability to connect with healthcare providers and access telehealth services, leading to urban-rural health disparities (Cantor & Thorpe, 2019). Furthermore, it closely tied to education, with broadband access being essential for students to access online educational resources, making disparities in internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic a factor in long-term educational and health inequalities. The digital divide can also result in social isolation and mental health challenges, while impacting economic stability and job opportunities, thereby influencing access to health insurance. Moreover, broadband access can influence residential choices and neighborhood demographics, subsequently affecting the availability of healthcare services and community resources, potentially leading to population shifts.
The Interplay Between Digital Health Technologies and Social Determinants of Health
Electronic health records (EHRs), mobile health (mHealth), patient portals, and telemedicine are intertwined with social determinants of health (SDOH) in various ways. EHRs serve as comprehensive health data repositories that improve care coordination, benefiting patients with complex health needs related to SDOH. However, SDOH can influence EHR access, creating disparities. Mobile Health bridges gaps in healthcare access by enabling remote monitoring and communication, particularly vital for individuals with limited access to in-person care (Chen & Padman, 2020). Patient portals empower patients to manage their health and reduce healthcare access disparities, but their adoption is influenced by social factors like health literacy. Similarly, Telemedicine is a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, especially in underserved areas, yet disparities may persist due to limited access to necessary technology, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged or geographically isolated populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the incorporation of digital inclusion and broadband access as essential elements of the social determinants of health is important in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting equitable health outcomes. Digital inclusion goes beyond mere convenience; it has wide-ranging implications for healthcare access, education, social connections, economic stability, and community well-being. The profound influence of technology on healthcare, as demonstrated by its interaction with electronic health records, mobile health, patient portals, and telemedicine, emphasizes the need to bridge the digital divide to ensure fair access to health services and information. Recognizing the significance of digital inclusion in the social determinants of health is a critical step toward enhancing health outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities, aligning with the objectives of Healthy People 2030
References:
Cantor, M. N., & Thorpe, L. (2019). Integrating data on social determinants of health into electronic health records. Health Affairs, 37(4), 585-590.
Chen, M., Tan, X., & Padman, R. (2020). Social determinants of health in electronic health records and their impact on analysis and risk prediction: a systematic review. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 27(11), 1764-1773.
Johnson, C. B., Luther, B., Wallace, A. S., & Kulesa, M. G. (2022). Social determinants of health: what are they and how do we screen. Orthopaedic Nursing, 41(2), 88-100.