As a physician, you likely see in practice that a patient’s health is a conglomeration of many non-medical factors. Medical research continues to show that where a person lives, their socioeconomic background, history of trauma, and so much more can play an integral role in their overall wellbeing, sometimes to the same or greater extent than genetics, diet, and exercise. These external influences on health are often referred to as Social Determinants of Health and help physicians understand how to provide medical care with a holistic, whole-person approach.

What are the Social Determinants of Health?

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, social determinants of health refer to both the conditions in which people live/grow and their access to resources, power, or wealth. Some of the most prominent examples include:

●      Economic Stability: A person’s income often determines their ability to afford safe housing, nutritious food, healthcare, or other necessities that promote personal health and wellness.

●      Education Access & Quality: Individuals without proper access to quality education often struggle to find safe or high-paying jobs, often leading to a lack of financial resources and generational poverty, both of which can negatively impact a person’s overall health.

●      Healthcare Access & Quality: Medical care is a barrier for many individuals who may not be insured or who live in rural areas or communities with less access to medical care or medications.

●      Neighborhood & Built Environment: Where a person lives has a tremendous impact on their health. Those who live in neighborhoods with high crime rates, poor air/water quality, high rates of substance use, or even a lack of transportation often are at a higher risk of experiencing health concerns throughout their lives.

●      Social & Community Context: People’s relationships to each other and their community can both positively or negatively impact their physical wellbeing. Those who experience abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, discrimination, racism/sexism, or other forms of relational or social rejection often experience increased rates of mental and physical health conditions.

GMP Network: A Holistic Approach

GMP Network is made up of experienced and compassionate healthcare providers that understand that healing involves more than just prescribing medicines or performing procedures. True healthcare advocacy includes prioritizing the social determinants of health to ensure that patients have access to the education, support, and resources they need to live healthy, thriving lives.

This organization empowers its affiliatedphysicians to approach patient care holistically as part of a larger multidisciplinary care team including social workers, community health workers, care coordinators, behavioral health specialists,, and an array of healthcare providers who specialize in different areas. This allows each team member to focus on different patient needs while still promoting their overall health.

Physicians who join GMP Network and invest in a multifaceted approach to treating patients often see real improvements in quality of care. For example, connecting a patient with a local nutrition expert to develop a healthy shopping list on a limited budget helps to prevent long-term conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Similarly, a patient suffering from substance abuse disorder has a much clearer path to long-term healing if they work directly with substance abuse counselors and recovery housing advocates in addition to physicians treating their medical concerns.

Social Determinants of Health are more than just suggestions - they are critical components of understanding your patient’s diverse internal and external needs. By joining GMP Network and utilizing their comprehensive approach to patient care, you can better advocate for your patients, provide higher quality multifaceted care, and promote long-term health and wellness throughout your community.