Practicing Excellence is pleased to announce our new skill-building program in the Nursing Experience Project, the Social Determinants of Health Program.
Here are some compelling research findings that highlight the critical need for advancing health equity:
- According to the latest research, social determinants of health impact up to 90% of health outcomes, with socioeconomic factors alone accounting for 47%.
- Researchers found that the breast cancer mortality rate in North Carolina is 60% higher for Black women than it is for White women.
- Studies revealed that individuals with lower socioeconomic status experience biological aging at an accelerated rate, approximately 6 to 8 years faster than their higher socioeconomic equivalents.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics published research that demonstrated healthy Black children undergoing surgical intervention had a higher risk of postoperative mortality, complications, and serious adverse events than their White counterparts.
Nurses play a crucial role in addressing health equity by recognizing and responding to social determinants of health (SDOH) in patient care. Through screening for social needs, connecting patients with community resources, and advocating for policy changes, nurses are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between clinical care and broader social factors that influence health.
Our hope for this program is that nurses and nurse leaders will learn and engage in actions with patients to advance health equity. The Social Determinants of Health Program is designed to help nurses identify potential risk factors that impact patient health and propose appropriate interventions or referrals to address those determinants. We want nurses to feel empowered to recognize, assess, and address social determinants of health as an integral part of providing comprehensive patient care.
There are four skills in this program:
- The Current State Of Health Equity In Nursing
- Strategies For Pursuing Care Equity
- Addressing Social Determinants Of Health
- Practical Approaches For Healthcare Disparities
By addressing social determinants of health, nurses can improve health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and promote equitable healthcare access. With the skills learned in this program, nurses will be better equipped to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, engage patients in meaningful conversations about their social needs, and connect them with the appropriate resources.
Through this program, we aim to equip and empower nurses to break down barriers, celebrate diversity, and ensure that everyone has the resources they need to achieve their best possible health.
Now, more than ever, skill-building in healthcare is crucial. If you’re seeking assistance to develop the skills of your nursing workforce and your healthcare organization as whole, get in touch with us to have a conversation!
Adah Chung is a Senior Content Specialist at Practicing Excellence, using her writing and research skills to contribute to our content and learning collateral. As an occupational therapist and former medical educator, Adah thrives on connecting storytelling with research, blending both the art and science of health professional education.
