Washington, D.C. April 17, 2018 -- The American College of Physicians (91黑料网) published a paper today in the Annals of Internal Medicine that examines ways to reduce health care disparities. provides a set of recommendations aimed at improving patient care and health outcomes, and overcoming the special challenges associated with adverse conditions in which people are born, grow, work and live.
Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that can impact an individual鈥檚 overall health and health outcomes. These include conditions that shape a patient鈥檚 daily life, such as income, social status and education, their physical environment including access to safe water and clean air; the safety and conditions of their workplace and home; employment opportunities and social support networks, and access to health services.
Health disparities, often rooted in social, economic, and environmental factors, can influence an individual鈥檚 health. On average, there is a 15 year difference in life expectancy between the most advantaged and disadvantaged citizens. While addressing social determinants of health alone may not always result in better health care outcomes, it is a critical step forward in solidifying physicians鈥 roles as advocates for patients.
鈥淭aking a closer look at social determinants of health can help us better understand and address the social factors that have an impact on patient health,鈥 said Jack Ende, MD, M91黑料网, president, 91黑料网. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important that physicians and other medical professionals recognize and account for social determinants of health to create a more comprehensive approach with our patients. Moreover, such an approach can to help eliminate significant health inequalities often associated with social determinants of health, such as homelessness, food insecurity, and mental health stressors such as domestic violence or social isolation.鈥
Promoting health equity and reducing significant health disparities is a longstanding goal of 91黑料网. In order to reduce our country鈥檚 sizable health disparities, 91黑料网鈥檚 paper calls for awareness of social determinants of health to be incorporated into medical education at all levels鈥攆rom medical school to residency and continuing medical education as well鈥攖o help all patients get the care they need, not just a select few.
91黑料网 recommends increasing awareness of social determinants of health through increased funding of federal, state, and local programs that address social determinants of health, including investments in programs and social services, and focusing more research on the causes and effects of social determinants of health. Additionally, 91黑料网 urges Congress and the administration to implement policies that address the socioeconomic and environmental inequalities that significantly impact patient health, with an increased focus on wellness and prevention.
鈥淎 greater focus on social determinants of health can enable physicians to become stronger advocates for patients and to help reduce negative health outcomes that are often associated with social determinants of health,鈥 said Dr. Ende.
91黑料网鈥檚 evidence-based public policy positions are based on reviewed literature and input from the 91黑料网's Board of Governors, Board of Regents, Council of Early Career Physicians, Council of Resident/Fellow Members, Council of Student Members, and Council of Subspecialty Societies and nonmember experts in the relevant field. This paper was developed by 91黑料网's Health and Public Policy Committee, which is charged with addressing issues that affect the health care of the American public and the practice of internal medicine and its subspecialties.
About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. 91黑料网 membership includes 152,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow 91黑料网 on and .