HIMSS 2017: How digital tech can boost social determinants of health

The social determinants of health (SDOH) are conditions such as geographic location, genetics, diet and education that can impact the health of population groups. In a session at HIMSS 2017 in Orlando, Jane Sarasohn-Kahn, MA, MHSA, discussed how technological advancements can engage consumers and providers to address these SDOH that can improve or diminish health risks.

Sarasohn-Kahn explained that the integration of health IT with SDOH carries enormous potential in improving quality social care, versus simply just healthcare. The U.S. places greater emphasis on treating health than providing social care programs, Sarasohn-Kahn argued. Such prioritization has led to the U.S. falling behind in addressing SDOH when treating its population. The U.S. has entered a cycle of treating—rather than preventing—ill health. Taking examples of social health IT, Sarasohn-Kahn showed how the U.S. can begin to invest in social care.

Still, implementation remains blocked by barriers including a lack of knowledge, the slow advancement of best practices and a difficulty in sharing data across platforms. But platforms have entered the market to address these obstacles. These platforms enable the sharing of data, not only for health data purposes, but for community resources as well. For example, Purplebinder, a self-described “one-stop shop to address SDOH," gives communities access to information regarding food pantries, housing and substance abuse centers, which have decreased emergency room visits by 60 percent.

These community resources address every SDOH and pave the way for new innovations. While more hurdles still must be cleared, according to Sarasohn-Kahn, social health will ultimately be as important as treating high blood pressure.