At NOAH, we often discuss the concepts of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) when addressing patient care. While these terms may seem similar, they represent distinct yet interconnected aspects of healthcare.
What Are Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)?
SDOH are the systemic conditions in which people live, work, learn, and play that influence their health outcomes. These factors are often shaped by larger societal structures and policies.
Examples of SDOH:
- Economic Stability
- Education
- Health Care Access
- Social Context
For instance, living in an area with limited access to healthy food options (a food desert) can contribute to chronic illnesses like obesity and diabetes.
What Are Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN)?
HRSN, on the other hand, refer to the specific, immediate needs of individuals that arise from their personal circumstances and are often linked to SDOH. Addressing HRSN focuses on providing tangible resources or support to improve health outcomes.
Ways NOAH Can Support Patients with HRSN:
- Food insecurity assistance, such as meal programs
- Transportation services for medical appointments
- Help with housing costs or access to shelters
- Utility assistance programs
- Behavioral health support to address stressors
Meeting HRSN can directly improve an individual’s quality of life and health. For example, connecting a patient experiencing homelessness with stable housing can significantly reduce their risk of health complications.
At NOAH, we ensure our patients receive the care and support they need by screening for HRSN during patient visits and connecting them to resources, we tackle immediate barriers to their health.
For questions or more information, please reach out to Dora Correal at dncorreal@noahhelps.org and/or Kerry Nickerson at knickerson@noahhelps.org.
This is great! I love that we are focus on HRSN at NOAH!