Introduction
The importance of understanding and addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) cannot be overstated in today's medical landscape. These determinants, which include factors like income, education, and housing, account for a significant portion of ill health. A recent scoping review published in the Canadian Medical Education Journal has shed light on the current state of SDOH curricula in post-graduate medical education, offering valuable insights for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and improve patient outcomes.
Understanding the Research
The study titled "A scoping review of social determinants of health curricula in post-graduate medical education" by Hunter and Thomson (2019) provides a comprehensive overview of existing SDOH curricula. The researchers identified 12 studies, all conducted in the United States, across various residency programs including internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. The majority of these curricula were longitudinal and included both patient or community exposure and classroom-based components.
Key Findings
The review highlighted several positive outcomes associated with SDOH curricula:
- Improved participant-related outcomes such as exam performance, awareness of personal practice, and confidence in addressing SDOH.
- Enhanced program-specific outcomes, including resident satisfaction and high course evaluation scores.
- Positive academic outcomes, with graduates often pursuing further education or establishing practices in underserved areas.
However, the review also noted a lack of patient-related outcomes, with only one study reporting that advice from healthcare providers was considered helpful by patients.
Implementing the Research Findings
For practitioners looking to improve their skills, the study offers several actionable recommendations:
- Adopt a Longitudinal Curriculum: A longitudinal approach allows for repeated exposure to SDOH elements, fostering a deeper understanding and competence.
- Incorporate Diverse Learning Activities: Combining patient or community exposure with classroom-based learning and independent study can provide a well-rounded educational experience.
- Focus on Community Needs: Tailor the curriculum content to the specific needs of the community being served, utilizing resident and community needs assessments, literature reviews, and expert opinions.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Employ a variety of evaluation methods to assess participant, program, and academic outcomes, ensuring a thorough understanding of the curriculum's impact.
Encouraging Further Research
While the review provides a solid foundation for SDOH education, it also highlights the need for further research. Specifically, more studies are needed to evaluate the long-term impact of SDOH curricula on patient outcomes and to explore the effectiveness of different curriculum formats and content.
Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research and to advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive SDOH education in medical training programs. By doing so, they can play a pivotal role in addressing health disparities and improving patient care.
Conclusion
The integration of SDOH curricula in post-graduate medical education is crucial for developing competent and compassionate healthcare providers. By implementing the recommendations from this scoping review, practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute to better health outcomes for underserved populations.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A scoping review of social determinants of health curricula in post-graduate medical education.
