The Whole PERSON Health Score: A Patient-Focused Tool to Measure Nonmedical Determinants of Health

Summary

The development of a plan to deliver health care in America often ignores the nonmedical deficits in patients’ socioeconomic resources, well-being, and quality of life, all of which contribute to patient dissatisfaction, poor clinical outcomes, and higher health care costs and utilization. Social determinants of health have been recognized as significant contributors to health, well-being, and, ultimately, longevity, but have been largely unaddressed in primary care because clinicians lack the tools and training to incorporate them while delivering routine care. Riverside University Health System developed a novel and holistic patient-centered assessment tool named the Whole PERSON Health Score (WPHS) to address these critical needs. This article discusses the framework involved in developing, implementing, and evaluating the...