Revolutionizing Healthcare: The Importance of Integrating Social Determinants of Health

In the changing landscape of healthcare, the case for health equity is stronger than ever. At the recent American College of Rheumatology 2025 Annual Meeting, Jillian Rose-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW, emphasized, "Health equity is about fair and just care for everyone." She highlighted the vital role that social determinants of health (SDOH) must play in reshaping patient care. By adequately addressing factors like where patients live, work, and play, healthcare providers can better impact health outcomes.

Understanding the Shift

The healthcare system is currently witnessing a policy shift, with multiple federal regulations mandating the collection of data regarding patients’ social needs. This shift includes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) starting to reimburse practitioners for SDOH risk assessments. These assessments utilize standardized tools that evaluate key areas such as food insecurity and housing stability. Yet, tangible outcomes depend on how effectively healthcare providers can transition from data collection to actionable patient care.

The Human Connection: Transforming Conversations

One crucial aspect of integrating SDOH into clinical practice is the human element. According to Rose-Smith, casual conversations during appointments can significantly affect patient outcomes. Engaging in meaningful dialogues by asking simple questions about a patient's life can reveal deep-rooted issues impacting their health. Suzan Fischbein, LCSW, echoed this sentiment, affirming that while time is often a concern, fostering these discussions ultimately optimizes care, strengthens provider-patient relationships, and enhances overall health risks management.

Bridging Policy and Practice

Despite raising awareness about the necessity of SDOH integration, disparities in healthcare access and quality still loom large. For example, research shows that around 1 in 3 Americans struggle with low health literacy, and millions face transportation hurdles to receive medical care. These obstacles underline the urgency of implementing actionable strategies across healthcare settings. Rose-Smith noted, "Many of us have been shielded from having to pull out this information in any systemic way in our EHR…" but with new proposals for mandatory outpatient SDOH data collection in 2026, clinicians must be prepared.

The Feasibility of SDOH Data Collection

Excitingly, studies affirm that collecting SDOH data is feasible across various healthcare practices, particularly in rheumatology. Embedding screenings into existing workflows allows providers to address underlying causes of health disparities directly. However, integration of this information into electronic health records (EHRs) remains a significant challenge. A 2023 report revealed that while 78% of organizations collect SDOH data, less than two-thirds integrate it effectively into their systems. This shortfall creates gaps in care that must be addressed to actualize the benefits of SDOH data.

Actionable Steps for Progress

As the healthcare environment evolves, clinicians must adopt practical measures to streamline SDOH integration. This includes developing collaborative partnerships with community organizations and healthcare technology experts. Closing the loop on referrals, ensuring follow-up, and actively tracking outcomes will truly bridge the gap between data collection and direct patient support. Instead of becoming overwhelmed, providers can start small—by listing two community resources weekly—eventually nurturing a robust local directory to assist their patients effectively.

Final Thoughts: Championing Health Equity Together

Integrating social determinants of health into everyday practice isn’t merely an option; it’s an imperative if we are to strive toward health equity. Leveraging both regulatory support and the genuine connection between providers and patients can yield profound improvements in health outcomes across diverse populations. As we move forward, prioritizing social determinants speaks to the core of patient care—ensuring that every individual has the equitable opportunity for better health.

As healthcare professionals, let’s take the initiative to not only integrate SDOH into practice but also to inspire colleagues to do the same. Collaboration across clinical settings will empower providers to meet patients’ needs head-on and create a significant positive impact on health outcomes. The time for action is now—together, we can champion health equity!