You are seeing this 50-year-old male with new-onset diabetes. You confirmed the diagnosis based on his symptoms and blood work he brought with him. You gave him a prescription for diabetic medications and a self-test glucometer, and also gave him instructions about healthy diet and lifestyle.
He paid you and left your office. He didn’t show up at his next appointment to see you a couple of weeks later.
In your opinion, how much is the contribution of this clinical care you provided to his overall outcome (morbidity and mortality)?
- 80%
- 50%
- 20%
- 5%
If you are curious about the answer but not sure, then I ask you to explore the concept of “Social determinants of health, or SDOH”, and then you will know the answer.
I invite you to look at this very nice and short PDF document to further clarify the concept of health equity and SDOH.
Also, I invite you to take the poll at the end (answers anonymous). Also, I am curious about your comments about the topics and hearting input from colleagues practicing in different parts of the globe.
