How do "social determinants of health" relate to quality improvement initiatives?

"Social determinants of health" encompass a range of factors that influence individual and community health outcomes. These factors include economic stability, education, social and community context, health and healthcare access, and the built environment. When implementing quality improvement (QI) initiatives, recognizing these social determinants is crucial because they significantly impact patient health and outcomes.

By understanding the social context in which patients live and receive care, healthcare providers can design more effective QI strategies that address the root causes of health disparities. For instance, if a QI initiative aims to reduce hospital readmission rates, knowing that socioeconomic factors or lack of community resources might contribute to those readmissions allows for a more comprehensive approach. This might include improving home health care services or providing education and resources to patients about their conditions in relation to their community context.

Incorporating social determinants into QI initiatives enhances the effectiveness of interventions, ultimately leading to improved patient care, better health outcomes, and a reduction in health disparities. Therefore, considering these determinants is essential for any QI process aiming to be holistic and ultimately successful.