Current Trends in social determinants of health workflows
Incorporating social determinants of health (SDOH) into physician practice workflows through digital health technology has gained momentum in recent years. Several key trends have emerged in this domain:
- Increased Documentation of SDOH in Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Physicians are progressively documenting SDOH within EHR systems. A study published in JAMA Network Open reported that in 2022, 27% of physician practices screened for five common social risk factors, an increase from previous years. Nearly three-quarters of practices conducted at least one social risk screening, up from 67% in 2017.
- Adoption of Structured Documentation Methods: The use of structured methods, such as checkboxes and standardized fields, for documenting SDOH is on the rise. Between 2022 and 2024, 58% of family physicians employed at least one structured documentation method, facilitating better data sharing and coordination with community resources.
- Integration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Unstructured Data: To extract SDOH information from unstructured clinical notes, researchers are developing NLP algorithms. For instance, Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University’s Fairbanks School of Public Health created NLP tools to identify housing challenges, financial stability, and employment status from EHRs, enhancing the ability to address social needs.
- Standardization Efforts for SDOH Data: Initiatives are underway to standardize SDOH data within EHRs. A notable example is the $4.4 million grant awarded to Regenstrief Institute’s LOINC and Health Data Standards program to collaborate with HL7’s Gravity Project. This project aims to create standardized terminologies for SDOH, promoting consistent data capture and interoperability.
- Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Address Health Disparities: AI and machine learning are being explored to mitigate health disparities by analyzing SDOH data. These technologies can help identify high-risk patients and tailor interventions, although their effectiveness depends on diverse and comprehensive training data.
- Enhanced Physician Awareness and Training: Physician awareness of EHR capabilities for SDOH documentation is growing. Studies indicate higher awareness among physicians in community health centers and those participating in value-based care models, highlighting opportunities for further education and training to integrate SDOH into clinical workflows effectively.
Conclusion: These trends underscore a concerted effort to integrate SDOH into digital health workflows, aiming to provide holistic, patient-centered care that addresses both medical and social needs.
