H&HN September 7, 2017
Hospitals are investing in health-related social needs and are taking the lead to address the social determinants of health.
Patients walking out of a clinician’s office or a hospital typically leave with discharge instructions, medications and advice to remain healthy and prevent and control chronic conditions. But what happens after people leave the clinical setting? Their home and community environment may have greater influence on their maintaining good health than anything else.
Hospitals and health systems are investing in health-related social needs. They are taking the lead to address the social determinants of health, such as access to healthful food, adequate housing, transportation options and high-quality education. Addressing these nonmedical needs can have a profound, positive impact on health,...