Which actions address social determinants of health in practice?

• A. Focus solely on clinical treatment.
• B. Screen for social determinants but never refer to services.
• C. Deny that social determinants affect health outcomes.
• D. Screen for social needs, refer to services, and advocate for equitable care.

Answer: (D)

Addressing social determinants of health in practice means acting on the reality that people’s health is shaped by social and economic factors, not just medical care. The strongest approach is to actively uncover patients’ social needs, connect them to helpful services, and push for changes that make care more equitable.

Screening for social needs is the first step because it reveals barriers that can affect treatment adherence and outcomes—things like housing instability, food insecurity, transportation barriers, or unsafe living conditions. But identifying needs isn’t enough on its own; linking patients to appropriate resources turns knowledge into help, whether that’s connecting to food banks, housing assistance, transportation programs, financial counseling, or language and cultural support.

Beyond individual referrals, advocating for equitable care addresses systemic obstacles that perpetuate disparities. This includes pursuing policies and practices that improve access (such as interpreters, affordable care options, and flexible scheduling), collecting and analyzing data to spot inequities, and supporting organizational changes that reduce bias and discrimination.

For example, a patient with diabetes in a low-income area may struggle with food insecurity and unreliable transportation to appointments. Screen, refer to nutrition assistance and transportation services, and advocate for community resources and better access to affordable, healthy food and reliable clinics. This three-part approach—identify needs, connect to services, and pursue equity—best translates social determinants into improved health outcomes.