Social Dx: Mary Richmond set the stage

Mary Richmond's pioneering work on social diagnosis laid the foundation for modern social work. Her focus on the link between poverty and disease has inspired a broader interpretation of social diagnosis. Understanding this concept helps bridge the gap between overall health and social factors, aligning social care with clinical aspects for comprehensive wellness plans.

?As emphasized by Brown, Lyson, and Jenkins (2011), the skill of diagnosing social issues is crucial for enhancing overall health and well-being. In today's healthcare landscape, addressing social factors is key to accessing care and choosing to use it. Recognizing when social factors become barriers to healthcare access is essential for supporting individuals. Today, our healthcare system focuses on social determinants (often in isolation) rather than nuanced factors.

?It may be time to reassess our approach to social diagnosis and consider where our perspective might be limited. By expanding our view, we can better identify and address social barriers to health and well-being, ultimately creating more inclusive and effective healthcare solutions.

?#SocialDiagnosis #anewSDOHframework #WellnessPlanning #everyoneneedshelpsometimes