Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people live, work and play that affect health outcomes. These non-medical factors include employment, housing status or access to education and transportation. These components determine an environment’s health equity. Healthcare professionals must understand and address these issues to promote health equity and improve the health of communities, which allows for the development of more effective strategies to enhance well-being and mitigate health disparities.
For nursing leaders interested in taking advantage of the demand for nurse educators, an advanced degree can strengthen their approach to conveying these vital concepts and practices. In the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nurse Education program at Youngstown State University (YSU), students gain the necessary insights for effective teaching.
The SDOH Influence
Social determinants of health greatly impact health outcomes and healthcare delivery. Focusing on these determinants in nursing is essential for providing holistic and effective patient care. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) shares some examples of how SDOH influences health outcomes.
Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services, such as financial constraints, lack of transportation and limited availability of healthcare providers. These barriers can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to worse health outcomes.
SDOH also influences health behaviors such as diet, physical activity and substance use. For example, living in a neighborhood with limited access to healthy food options can contribute to poor nutrition and increase the chances of health problems such as obesity and diabetes. Lastly, determinants such as unemployment, poor working conditions and social isolation can negatively affect mental health.
The influence of SDOH on healthcare delivery requires nurses to understand their patients’ cultures and social backgrounds to provide more competent care. Nurses must respect patients’ beliefs and practices and develop care plans unique to the individual. Nurses also play an important role in educating patients about managing their health in ways that are culturally acceptable to the individual. Nurses must advocate for policies and programs addressing social determinants and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to connect patients with resources and support services.
SDOH in Nursing Education
Incorporating SDOH into nursing education curricula and clinical practice is vital in preparing future nurses to address the factors influencing patient health and improve health equity. Nursing Outlook outlines the following strategies for integrating SDOH into nursing education curricula and clinical practice and the nurse educator’s role in preparing future nurses to address determinants:
Training on Cultural Competence and Equity
Provide education and training on cultural competence, implicit bias and health equity. Educators prepare students to interact with diverse populations and help them understand the impact of inequities. Organizations should continuously train clinical staff on health equity to provide culturally competent care that respects the diverse backgrounds of those they serve.
Incorporate SDOH in Nursing Core Competencies
Nurse educators should consider SDOH when establishing core nursing competencies and learning objectives. This includes adding how social, economic and environmental factors affect health outcomes to existing courses and developing new SDOH modules. During clinical rotations, students should engage with real-world cases that reflect the impact of SDOH. This immersion experience will help them understand the implications of these determinants in patient care.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Create opportunities for nursing students to collaborate with various fields, understanding the importance of interdisciplinary care and the nature of SDOH. In clinical practice, continue to encourage collaboration with other healthcare professionals and social services. This cooperation can enhance patient care by addressing all the individual’s needs.
Community-based Learning
Community-based experiences, such as placements in underserved areas or encouraging involvement in public health initiatives, give students a first-hand experience of the implications of SDOH. The practice of addressing social determinants gives nurses the confidence to work with programs that address public health issues, such as housing instability and access to healthy food and transportation.
Comprehensive Assessment Tools
Introduce assessment tools that identify SDOH and train students to use them. Implement these tools in the clinical setting when gathering patient data. This intervention will enable nurses to tailor care plans to the individual.
Shared Goals: Nursing Education and Public Health
Nursing education and public health have the common objectives of promoting health and preventing disease. Integrating SDOH into nursing curricula helps future nurses understand how social factors contribute to health disparities and equips them with the knowledge to advocate for developing health promotion strategies.
Much like public health, nursing education often involves collaboration, engagement and policy advocacy to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how SDOH affects health outcomes. Incorporating public health principles such as epidemiology and community health into nursing education prepares students to address SDOH.
Earn an MSN Degree in Nurse Education Online From Youngstown State University
YSU’s online MSN – Nurse Education program equips nurses with advanced knowledge and skills to excel in leadership roles where they can advocate for equitable healthcare practices and policies. The program prepares nurse educators with instructional tools that engage students. This program enables graduates to develop teaching strategies that promote health equity and social justice in diverse healthcare settings.
Learn more about Youngstown State University’s online MSN – Nurse Education program.
