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Social determinants of health (SDOH) encompass environmental and socioeconomic factors, such as housing, education, employment, and access to food. SDOH have a major impact on access to quality care and are critical to the health and well-being of patients. While medical care accounts for approximately 20 percent of healthcare, physical environment, socioeconomic factors, and health-related behaviors, all elements of SDOH account for about 80 percent of outcomes.
Incorporating SDOH data into electronic health records (EHRs) “could dramatically increase the scope, quality, and timeliness of data available for planning interventions targeted at SDOH factors.” With essential SDOH information such as housing, transportation, and diet captured in real time, clinicians can leverage that data to make more informed, targeted medical decisions that deliver higher quality care.
