How Social Determinants of Health Impact Perioperative Care

As a perioperative nurse, you're deeply involved in the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. While you often focus on the clinical and technical aspects, it's crucial to recognize that factors beyond medical care significantly impact patient outcomes. These factors, known as Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), greatly influence the health and well-being of your patients.

AORN President Nakeisha Tolliver, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM, says “Addressing social determinants of health is not just a responsibility; it’s our compass guiding us toward equitable care and better patient outcomes.”

What Are Social Determinants of Health?

Social Determinants of Health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. They include a wide range of factors, such as:

• Economic Stability: Employment, income, expenses, and debt.
• Education: Literacy, language, early childhood education, and higher education.
• Social and Community Context: Social integration, support systems, community engagement, and exposure to crime.
• Health and Healthcare: Access to healthcare services, insurance coverage, and health literacy.
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Housing, transportation, safety, parks, and walkability.

These determinants can either positively or negatively influence health outcomes and disparities among different populations.

Why Are Social Determinants of Health Important?

Understanding the SDOH is crucial because they significantly contribute to health disparities and overall health outcomes. For instance, a patient from a low-income background may face challenges in accessing nutritious food, safe housing, or reliable transportation to medical appointments. These challenges can result in poorer health outcomes compared to patients from more affluent backgrounds.

By addressing SDOH, you can help reduce health disparities and promote equity. This approach aligns with the broader goals of improving public health and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead healthy lives.

How SDOH Improve the Patient Experience

Incorporating SDOH into patient care can lead to more comprehensive and effective healthcare delivery. Here’s how:

1. Holistic Care: By understanding the social context of a patient's life, you can provide care that addresses not just the immediate medical needs but also the underlying factors contributing to their health issues.
2. Improved Outcomes: Addressing SDOH can lead to better health outcomes, such as lower readmission rates, fewer complications, and improved overall health.
3. Patient Empowerment: Educating patients about the impact of SDOH and connecting them with resources can empower them to take control of their health.
4. Enhanced Trust: Patients are more likely to trust and engage with healthcare providers who consider their social circumstances and demonstrate a commitment to their overall well-being.

Advocating for SDOH in Your Facility

As a perioperative nurse, you have a unique opportunity to advocate for the integration of SDOH into patient care. Here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Education and Training: Promote ongoing education and training on SDOH for all healthcare staff. This can increase awareness and competence in addressing these factors.
2. Screening and Assessment: Implement routine screening for SDOH in preoperative assessments. Use standardized tools to identify patients' social needs and refer them to appropriate resources.
3. Collaboration: Work closely with social workers, case managers, and community organizations to create a support network for patients. This can ensure that patients have access to necessary social services.
4. Policy Advocacy: Engage in policy advocacy at the institutional level to prioritize SDOH in healthcare planning and resource allocation. This could include advocating for policies that support affordable housing, transportation, and access to healthy food.
5. Patient Education: Provide patients with information on how SDOH impact their health and guide them to community resources that can help address these determinants.

“By understanding and addressing Social Determinants of Health, you can play a pivotal role in enhancing patient care and outcomes,” says Tolliver.

“Your advocacy and actions can help bridge the gap between clinical care and the broader social factors that influence health, ultimately leading to a more equitable and effective healthcare system.”