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Focus on Health Equity and Action

Incorporating Social Determinants of Health into VHA Patient Care and Electronic Medical Records


by Tom Garin, DPA ; Thomas O'Toole, MD ; Uchenna Uchendu, MD
Seminar date: 3/30/2017

Description: Social determinants of health is a useful concept for describing the availability and distribution of economic, social, and physical conditions that impact patient’s health and the health care system. The current Focus on Health Equity and Action Cyberseminar session will 1) describe social determinants of health and how these determinants influence VHA patient care; 2) present an example from the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team program and their use of social determinants of health to improve patient care for homeless Veterans and their families; and 3) discuss VA data sources and industry best practices to understand and incorporate social determinants of health into the electronic medical record and research activities. Intended Audience: Researchers, clinicians, care coordinators, policy makers, educators, Veteran stakeholders and representatives of vulnerable Veteran groups who are interested in understanding and/or promoting equitable health among all Veterans.



DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript


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