Social Determinants of Health: The Fifth Vital Sign

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Obstetrics
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Social determinants of health (SDOH) are increasingly recognized in public health.
• SDOH discussions in obstetrics are crucial for addressing maternal mortality and health disparities.
• Awareness of SDOH among obstetricians has grown, yet practical application remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the significance of SDOH in obstetrics.
• To explore reasons for limited engagement with SDOH by obstetricians.
• To propose strategies for integrating SDOH into obstetric practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current practices regarding SDOH in obstetrics.
• Analysis of barriers preventing obstetricians from addressing social needs.
• Development of a framework for implementing SDOH strategies.

Main Results:

• Obstetricians acknowledge the link between SDOH and adverse outcomes but lack confidence in addressing social needs.
• A three-step approach is suggested: identify needs, identify resources, and connect patients with resources.
• Organizational support is essential for successful SDOH implementation alongside individual physician efforts.

Conclusions:

• Bridging the gap between SDOH awareness and action in obstetrics requires practical strategies.
• A systematic approach involving needs assessment, resource identification, and linkage is recommended.
• Collaborative efforts between individual practitioners and healthcare organizations are vital for mitigating the effects of SDOH.