NR 536 Week 1 Collab Cafe Hollistic Assessment and Social Determinants of Health

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Chamberlain University

NR-536: Advanced Health Assessment, Pathophysiology & Pharmacology for Advanced Nursing Practice

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Date

Social determinants of health significantly influence an individual’s health and well-being by interacting with political, social, and economic factors (Islam, 2019). Among the most critical determinants are income, transportation, and time. Individuals with low incomes often face barriers to accessing healthcare, such as the inability to afford health insurance or decline necessary care due to cost concerns. These individuals are less likely to have a regular healthcare provider and may have limited access to essential medical advancements and specialized care (Khullar & Chokshi, 2018). For healthcare providers, offering high-quality, person-centered care to these patients presents challenges, as affordability and adherence remain significant obstacles.

Transportation also plays a vital role in health outcomes, as it determines an individual’s ability to access healthcare services and obtain nutritious food. A lack of reliable transportation can lead to missed appointments or limited access to essential resources, negatively affecting overall health. In such cases, providing effective care becomes challenging for healthcare providers, as physical attendance is often necessary. Lastly, time constraints impact an individual’s ability to prioritize health-promoting activities, such as exercise, rest, and meal preparation. Healthcare providers may recommend lifestyle changes, but if individuals lack the time to implement these changes, their health outcomes remain at risk (Islam, 2019).

To effectively evaluate the influence of social determinants, a holistic approach is essential. Screening tools are one strategy, offering short questionnaires that assess factors such as housing, food security, transportation, and personal safety (O’Gurek & Henke, 2018). Additionally, engaging in open conversations with individuals allows providers to explore relevant determinants in greater detail. Combining these approaches enables comprehensive assessments and fosters meaningful connections between providers and individuals.

Three specific questions that can aid in assessing social determinants include:

What is your current living situation?
In the past six months, have you ever run out of food or worried about running out of food?
Have you faced challenges in affording basic necessities such as housing, food, or medical care?

These questions help uncover underlying social determinants and guide the development of person-centered care plans tailored to individual needs.

The Synergy Model as a Framework for Collaborative Care

The Synergy Model emphasizes the importance of aligning patient needs with the nurse’s ability to meet those needs, fostering a positive and collaborative relationship (Cordon et al., 2021). This model encourages nurses to assess their capacity to address specific patient needs and create strategies to bridge gaps effectively. For example, health literacy and social determinants can be assessed by asking questions about the patient’s medical history, past healthcare experiences, and socioeconomic factors.

Effective communication is central to implementing the Synergy Model. By tailoring explanations and ensuring clarity, the nurse can promote understanding and collaboration. This approach not only addresses immediate healthcare concerns but also builds trust and empowers individuals to participate actively in their care.

Table: Summary of Key Concepts

Heading	Details	Examples/Strategies
Social Determinants of Health	Factors like income, transportation, and time that influence health outcomes and care accessibility.	Address barriers such as cost, transportation access, and time management to enhance patient outcomes.
Holistic Assessment	Evaluating social determinants using screening tools and open-ended conversations.	Use questionnaires and ask questions about housing, food security, and financial challenges to identify individual needs.
Synergy Model Framework	Aligning patient needs with the nurse’s skills to build collaborative care relationships.	Use clear communication to address health literacy and integrate patient input into care strategies.

References

Cordon, C., Lounsbury, J., Palmer, D., & Shoemaker, C. (2021). Applying the Synergy Model to inform the nursing model of care in an inpatient and ambulatory care setting: The experience of two urban cancer institutions, Hamilton Health Sciences and Grand River Regional Cancer Centre. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 31(2), 186-194. https://doi.org/10.5737/23688076312186194

Islam, M. M. (2019). Social Determinants of Health and Related Inequalities: Confusion and Implications. Frontiers in Public Health, 7, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2019.00011