Overcoming barriers to adopting a social determinants of health approach in clinical practice
| Barrier | Facilitator |
|---|---|
| Medical model bias and the treatment imperative in health care | Health care provider reminder and recall systems to adopt a more holistic and biopsychosocial approach |
| Patients who experienced prior stereotyping and discrimination in clinical care | Treating patients with dignity and respect and creating “safe spaces” for disclosure |
| Physicians feeling overwhelmed, overworked and lacking time | Taking a few extra minutes per consultation to address complex health and social needs |
| Physicians not knowing what resources exist in the local community | Providing a mapping of benefits and local referral resources for specific social challenges |
| Physicians unsure of what concrete actions to take to address social determinants | Resources, training and ongoing support of physicians and allied health care workers |