The Impact of Social Determinants on Health Administration: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Social determinants of health (SDoH) significantly influence health outcomes and healthcare administration. Understanding and addressing these determinants is essential for improving patient care and reducing health disparities.

Methods: This comprehensive review analyzed existing literature on the integration of SDoH into electronic health records (EHRs) and their impact on health outcomes. A systematic search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE to identify studies that explored the relationship between SDoH and healthcare delivery. Key themes included data collection methodologies, predictive modeling, and intervention effectiveness.

Results: The review revealed that while EHRs increasingly incorporate SDoH data, significant gaps remain in capturing comprehensive information. Studies indicated that individual-level SDoH data improved predictive accuracy for healthcare outcomes, such as hospital readmissions and service referrals. Conversely, neighborhood-level data showed limited predictive value. The literature highlighted the importance of training healthcare providers, particularly nurses, to address SDoH effectively.

Conclusion: The integration of SDoH into EHRs is vital for enhancing nursing practice and improving population health outcomes. By prioritizing the collection and utilization of SDoH data, healthcare systems can better address the needs of diverse populations, ultimately leading to more effective interventions and improved health equity. Future research should focus on standardizing SDoH data collection methods and evaluating the impact of nursing interventions on health disparities.