Much ado has been made about Generation Z entering the workforce, from their sheer size to their workplace preferences and social media habits. The generation is also expected to disrupt the healthcare space –– with new demands from providers.
According to a recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health,[1] Gen Z wants healthcare providers to address social determinants of health by asking them about housing, food security, personal safety, access to education and more. Plus, providers should follow up with referrals and information for these essential resources.
The study queried 1,000 youth between ages 14 and 24 via text message in March 2021. It included five open-ended questions that addressed housing, food, education, safety and discrimination. All these factors can have an impact on health in the short and long term, as well as the ability to keep up with appointments and care. Of the respondents, roughly 39% came from families whose income levels qualified them for free or reduced-price school lunch under national criteria.
A whopping 81% of respondents said they wanted healthcare providers to ask these questions, and nearly one-third said embarrassment might keep them from seeking help for such issues if they were experiencing them. Another 25% said they would want providers to offer resources for people with social needs, and nearly the same number agreed providers should offer information about resources to assist people with these needs.
Many studies have found that addressing social determinants of health can have better patient outcomes, and some health plans, particularly some Medicare Advantage plans, actually offer some benefits such as nutrition and food security help. However, few healthcare providers actually address social determinants of health in clinical settings. Fortunately, some clinics, including the University of Michigan’s academic medical center, Michigan Medicine, now screen for social determinants of health as part of patient care. A team from the University of Michigan conducted the study, based on data from the MyVoice National Poll of Youth, in the U-M Department of Family Medicine.
“It seems obvious that addressing social needs, like food and housing, in clinical settings would benefit patients,” First author Claire Chang, a University of Michigan Medical School student, said in a statement. “But we actually know very little about whether and how patients would want to receive this kind of assistance. Youth in our study told us that they do want to talk about social determinants of health with their providers. It is important for us to understand these preferences and desires as social/medical care integration efforts spread across the country.”
In terms of how they wanted access to information and resources, most Gen Z respondents agreed in-person was best, followed by phone, email and handouts.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."