Standardizing Social Determinants of Health
Stephen Beller, PhD
Prosocial Entrepreneur, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Cognitive Scientist, Software Architect and Model Builder, Knowledge System Inventor, Consultant, Writer, Futurist
Would it be helpful if a standardized set of SDH data were recognized, and if so, how could that data be determined as standard? Is the recognition of a standard set of data points for SDH dependent on the population being screened?
There are at least two critical issue that must be addressed before SDH standards can be determined:
- Decide on the domains to include. Not only is there disagreement in the number of domains an SDH assessment tool should have, but there’s even a reason to change the terms to “social and behavioral determinants of health (SBDH)†as the Institute of Medicine recommended bit.ly/1iwMKAK.
- Decide on the precise wording and response scale for each data element (question-response set) that is used to measure each domain.
I suggest that these decisions be based on sound research tasked with determining the most valid, reliable, and useful assessment items/measures.
Validity and reliability should be determined by evaluating an assessment tool’s ability to accurately and dependably measure the key SDH/SBDH factors that influence a population and an individual. This may require somewhat different versions of a tool based on a person’s age, gender, culture, etc.
Usefulness, otoh, refers to a tool’s ability, e.g., to support decisions about clinical care and referrals, as well as provide insights regarding the effect of SDH/SBDH on a person’s wellness, well-being, and quality of life outcomes. bit.ly/2NYJe6i