Educational tools to dismantle disparities by addressing social determinants of health

Abstract

Background: Social determinants of health (SDOH) are personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health disparities in the United States. Objectives: To develop educational interventions to teach and assess students’ knowledge about health disparities using a SDOH framework, and design assessment methods to identify theory-based interventions to improve patient health outcomes. Methods: Educational tools utilising a SDOH framework were designed for students to learn about health disparities. A socio-ecological model allowed students to assess multi-level determinants of health and propose more effective interventions. Evidence-based questions were designed to address the health of a specified population. A case study allowed students to apply therapeutic knowledge and clinical interventions to improve patient health. Results: Exactly 44 students enrolled in three iterations of the course and completed pre- and post-surveys. Upon completion, students’ perception of health disparities significantly increased. Conclusion: The SDOH model offers strategies for other pharmacy programs seeking to increase public health-related topics. Students can develop skills to directly apply to a current problem and then build theory to engage in problem-solving. This innovative approach utilising SDOH for pharmacy students positively impacted awareness and knowledge.