Social Determinants of Health: Expanding our Understanding of Digital Maturity
摘要
The role of hospitals is evolving beyond traditional medical treatment to encompass the social determinants of health (SDH) that significantly impact patient outcomes. This transformation is driven by the growing recognition of the interconnectedness between health and social factors and the shift toward value-based healthcare (VBHC). Digital maturity plays a crucial role in empowering this evolution, as advanced digital infrastructures enable the seamless collection, analysis, and sharing of comprehensive health and social data. Key to this process is the advancement of interoperable electronic health records (EHR) through health information exchange platforms, which support the seamless exchange of information across diverse platforms and stakeholders. By focusing on VBHC and leveraging digital technologies, hospitals can prioritize treatments that offer the greatest benefit to patients, reduce health disparities, and promote overall population health. This approach enhances healthcare outcomes and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.