Addressing the 5 social determinants of health with care navigation.

Not only does a healthy workforce lead to happier employees, but it also results in lower healthcare costs and increased productivity. One crucial factor in having a healthier organization is the looking at the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on employee wellness. With 51% of employers planning to enhance their well-being programs to tackle SDOHs in the next three to five years, it's clear that health isn't just about what happens in the doctor's office or at the pharmacy.

These factors extend beyond the healthcare system itself, encompassing a wide array of social, economic, and environmental conditions that influence health outcomes. Understanding these determinants and their impact is crucial for delivering high-value care, and health navigation services play a vital role in addressing these barriers to improve overall health outcomes for your employees.

What are social determinants of health?

Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that influence your team’s health outcomes, including conditions like socioeconomic status, geography, and education. The main determinants include:

1. Economic stability.

2. Education access and quality.

3. Healthcare access and quality.

4. Neighborhood and built environment.

5. Social and community context.

Let’s explore each determinant that your employees may experience and how healthcare navigation can help address the potential barriers associated with them.

1. Economic stability.

Economic stability refers to an individual’s financial situation, including employment, income, expenses, and financial literacy. Financial instability can lead to stress, poor mental health, and limited access to essential resources, significantly impacting health outcomes. Care navigation can alleviate financial burdens brought on by health by helping employees find the lowest-cost healthcare options and maximizing their benefits. A healthcare navigator guides employees to in-network providers, identifies cost-effective treatment options, and assists with understanding medical bills and insurance coverage, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their access to necessary care.

2. Education access and quality.

Access to quality education influences health literacy which equips individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Healthcare navigators play a crucial role in improving health literacy by providing personalized education about health conditions, treatment options, and preventive care. They empower employees with the information needed to make the best healthcare decisions for their needs, enhancing their overall well-being and productivity.

3. Healthcare access and quality.

Access to healthcare involves the availability of medical services, the quality of care provided, and the ability to obtain necessary treatments. Disparities in healthcare access can lead to untreated chronic conditions, missed diagnoses, and poor health outcomes. Healthcare navigators assist employees in finding affordable high-value care. They help schedule appointments, coordinate care across providers, and ensure employees understand their treatment plans. 

4. Neighborhood and built environment.

The physical environment, including housing, transportation, and safety, significantly affects each employee’s health. Poor living conditions, unsafe neighborhoods, or distance from quality healthcare can lead to chronic stress and poorer health. While care navigation does not directly address housing or environmental factors, healthcare navigators support employees in utilizing health and wellness resources, such as weight management or virtual mental health solutions available in their plans. They can also help them find the most convenient, high-value care in their area.

5. Social and community context.

Social support networks and community engagement play vital roles in mental and physical health. Strong social connections can reduce stress, improve mental health, and encourage healthy behaviors. Care navigation helps link employees with mental health resources and enhances employee happiness and engagement. Additionally, healthcare navigators connect members with preferred doctors and facilities, ensuring that employees receive care that aligns with their personal preferences and cultural needs.

Recognizing SDOH is the first step toward achieving health equity and improving outcomes in your organization. Care navigation plays an indispensable role in mitigating the barriers that can come with these determinants. Healthcare navigators serve as doctors in the family, helping employees navigate the complex healthcare system and access essential resources, no matter what challenges they may face. By investing in a care navigation solution, employers can foster a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce, ultimately driving down healthcare costs and enhancing organizational success.