Holistic Assessment and the Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health play an important role in shaping the health and well-being of individuals across the lifespan. As with all health assessment, it is imperative for health care professionals to strive to keep an open mind, respect differences, and be aware of personal implicit biases as they assess for social, cultural, economic, educational, and environmental factors influencing health.
Reflect upon the learning accomplished during Week One regarding these variables, and respond to the following:
Identify three of the social determinants of health and explain the impact of each determinant on individual health and person-centered care.
Using a holistic approach to assessment, what strategies would you use to determine how social determinants influence the individual’s health? Provide three questions that might aid in assessing these variables.
How might the Synergy Model provide a framework for the MSN-prepared nurse to collaborate with individuals in order to assess health literacy and the impact of social determinants?
Provide feedback to your peers for considerations related to age appropriate and culturally inclusive considerations which would demonstrate an open mind and respect for differences.
