Smart Cities: Why Cities are Paying Attention to SDoH

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are the non-medical factors that can impact an individual’s health, such as their income, education, and access to healthcare. These factors can significantly impact an individual’s overall health and well-being, and they are increasingly being recognized as essential factors in improving the health of a population.

Cities across the United States are beginning to monitor social determinants of health in order to identify and address the root causes of health disparities within their communities. By understanding the specific social determinants impacting their residents’ health, cities can develop targeted interventions and policies to address these issues and improve the health and well-being of their communities.

Here’s why we’re seeing cities monitor social determinants of health:

1. To address health disparities: One of the main reasons cities are monitoring social determinants of health is to identify and address health disparities within their communities. Health disparities refer to the unequal distribution of health outcomes, such as higher rates of chronic diseases or higher mortality rates, among certain groups of people. By understanding the social determinants that are contributing to these disparities, cities can develop targeted interventions and policies to address them.
2. To improve population health: Monitoring social determinants of health can also help cities improve their overall health. By addressing the root causes of health disparities, cities can help to create more equitable and healthy communities for all of their residents.
3. To reduce healthcare costs: Monitoring social determinants of health can also help cities to reduce healthcare costs. By addressing the root causes of health issues, cities can help to reduce the need for expensive medical treatments and interventions. For example, investing in education and job training programs can help to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases and improve overall health, ultimately leading to lower healthcare costs.
4. To improve the effectiveness of interventions: Monitoring social determinants of health can also help cities to tailor their interventions and policies to the specific needs of their communities. By understanding the unique social determinants impacting their residents’ health, cities can develop more effective and targeted interventions that are more likely to be successful.
5. To promote equity: Finally, monitoring social determinants of health can help cities promote equity and ensure that all of their residents can live healthy lives. By addressing the root causes of health disparities and working to create more equitable communities, cities can help to reduce the gap between the health outcomes of different groups and promote overall health and well-being.

Overall, cities across the United States are monitoring social determinants of health in order to identify and address the root causes of health disparities, improve population health, reduce healthcare costs, improve the effectiveness of interventions, and promote equity. By doing so, they can create healthier, more equitable communities for all of their residents.

MD Ally can help cities address social determinants of health with 911-initiated telemedicine that activates at the point of dispatch. By embedding telemedicine into dispatch, dispatchers can route low acuity patients to more appropriate resources such as transit to a doctor’s appointment, mental health counseling, or housing agencies. These connection points can help callers access critical resources while allowing emergency crews to focus on higher acuity cases. Click here to connect with MD Ally and understand how you can address social determinants of health through 911-initiated telemedicine.