Stepwise Solutions-Patients Social Determinants of Health, Health Disparities, and Surgical Equity

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are often perceived as abstract, societal-level forces beyond the reach of surgical practice. This study reframes SDOH through the lens of health-related social needs (HRSNs)-discrete, patient-level manifestations that surgeons can identify, screen for, and address. This study focuses on the 5 HRSNs highlighted by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and introduces financial hardship or "financial toxicity" as an emerging and equally important HRSN. By addressing HRSNs, surgeons can improve postoperative outcomes and mitigate health disparities of their patients.