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Unbelievable Findings: Social Capital Outshines Health Needs in Hospital-Community Partnerships!

Unbelievable Findings: Social Capital Outshines Health Needs in Hospital-Community Partnerships!

Introduction

In the realm of healthcare, understanding the drivers behind hospital-community partnerships is crucial for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). A recent study published in SSM - Population Health explores whether these partnerships are primarily driven by community social capital or prevailing health needs. The findings are both intriguing and enlightening, offering valuable insights for practitioners seeking to improve their skills and outcomes.

Key Findings

The study employed data from the American Hospital Association, US County Health Rankings, and the Social Capital Project, using ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression and logit models to assess the relationships. The results revealed that community social capital is significantly and positively associated with total hospital partnerships. This association is particularly strong with local/state public health agencies, schools, law enforcement, and organizations addressing food insecurity.

On the contrary, community health needs showed limited associations with these partnerships. This suggests that social capital, rather than health needs, is a critical determinant in forming hospital-community partnerships to address SDOH.

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners, these findings underscore the importance of fostering social capital within communities to enhance hospital partnerships. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:

Encouraging Further Research

While this study provides valuable insights, it also opens avenues for further research. Practitioners and researchers are encouraged to explore:

Conclusion

The study highlights the pivotal role of social capital in driving hospital-community partnerships, overshadowing the impact of community health needs. For practitioners dedicated to improving health outcomes, leveraging social capital can be a game-changer. By focusing on building strong community networks and fostering collaborations, practitioners can significantly contribute to addressing SDOH and enhancing population health.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Community social capital or health needs: What is driving hospital-community partnerships to address social determinants of health?


Citation: Puro, N., & Kelly, R. J. (2022). Community social capital or health needs: What is driving hospital-community partnerships to address social determinants of health? SSM - Population Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101129
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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