Introduction

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and they play a significant role in shaping health outcomes and disparities. Addressing SDOH is critical for improving population health, reducing inequities, and achieving healthcare equity. This training course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to understand, assess, and address SDOH in their organizations and communities. Through a blend of theoretical insights, practical applications, and real-world case studies, participants will learn to integrate SDOH into healthcare delivery and policy-making.

Objectives

By the end of this 5-day training course, participants will:

1. Understand the concept of social determinants of health and their impact on health outcomes.

2. Learn to identify and assess SDOH in patient populations and communities.

3. Develop skills to design and implement interventions that address SDOH.

4. Gain insights into the role of healthcare organizations in addressing health inequities.

5. Explore strategies for collaborating with community partners to address SDOH.

6. Build proficiency in using data and technology to track and address SDOH.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Healthcare executives and administrators

• Public health professionals and policymakers

• Clinical leaders, including physicians and nurses

• Community health workers and social workers

• Healthcare consultants and advisors

• Professionals aspiring to roles in population health and health equity

Advanced Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Social Determinants of Health

• Morning Session:

  • Introduction to Social Determinants of Health: Key Concepts and Importance

  • The Impact of SDOH on Health Outcomes and Health Disparities

  • Case Study: The Role of SDOH in Shaping Health Inequities

• Afternoon Session:

  • Overview of Key SDOH Domains: Economic Stability, Education, Social and Community Context, Health and Healthcare, Neighborhood and Built Environment

  • Tools for Assessing SDOH in Patient Populations

  • Interactive Workshop: Identifying SDOH in a Community Health Assessment

Day 2: Assessing and Addressing SDOH in Healthcare

• Morning Session:

  • Integrating SDOH into Clinical Practice: Screening and Referral Programs

  • Strategies for Addressing SDOH in Patient Care

  • Case Study: Implementing an SDOH Screening Program in a Primary Care Clinic

• Afternoon Session:

  • Tools for Collecting and Analyzing SDOH Data

  • Techniques for Communicating SDOH Insights to Stakeholders

  • Group Activity: Developing an SDOH Screening and Referral Plan

Day 3: Designing Interventions to Address SDOH

• Morning Session:

  • Principles of Designing SDOH Interventions: Evidence-Based Approaches

  • Strategies for Addressing Housing Instability, Food Insecurity, and Transportation Barriers

  • Case Study: A Successful Intervention to Reduce Food Insecurity in a Community

• Afternoon Session:

  • Tools for Implementing and Evaluating SDOH Interventions

  • Techniques for Engaging Patients and Communities in SDOH Initiatives

  • Interactive Workshop: Designing an SDOH Intervention for a Target Population

Day 4: Collaborating with Community Partners

• Morning Session:

  • The Role of Community Partnerships in Addressing SDOH

  • Strategies for Building and Sustaining Collaborative Relationships

  • Case Study: A Community Partnership to Improve Access to Healthcare

• Afternoon Session:

  • Tools for Mapping Community Resources and Assets

  • Techniques for Leveraging Community Partnerships to Address SDOH

  • Group Activity: Developing a Community Partnership Plan

Day 5: Using Data and Technology to Address SDOH

• Morning Session:

  • The Role of Data and Technology in Addressing SDOH: Health Information Systems, GIS, and Predictive Analytics

  • Strategies for Using Data to Track and Address Health Inequities

  • Case Study: Using Data to Identify and Address SDOH in a Hospital Network

• Afternoon Session:

  • Emerging Trends: AI, Machine Learning, and Digital Health in Addressing SDOH

  • Final Group Project: Presenting a Comprehensive SDOH Strategy

  • Course Recap, Certification, and Next Steps for Continued Learning