Social Determinants of Health and Primary Care: Intentionality Is Key to the Data We Collect and the Interventions We Pursue

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDOHs)-the conditions where we live, learn, work, and play-often influence the lives of patients much more than health care services. Family physicians in particular witness the impact of these factors on a daily basis in clinical practice, and they have begun to screen for SDOHs and intervene when appropriate to mitigate their effects. This issue of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine focuses on SDOH data collection and analysis that informs patient care, population health, and policy interventions. Collectively, this series of articles establishes the foundation for a robust SDOH research agenda for primary care.