141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

290638
Integrating the social determinants of health framework in the medical school curricula

Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 8:30 AM - 8:50 AM

M. Lelinneth Novilla, MD, MPH , Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Jeanette Johnson, BS Public Health , Department of Health Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Jonathan Shumway, BS (c) Public Health , Department of Health Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Allen Barnett, BS (c) Public Health , Department of Health Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Arielle Sloan, BS (c) Public Health , Department of Health Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Miriam Cariello, MPH (c) , Department of Health Science, Brigham Young Univeristy, Provo, UT
Matthew Adams, BS (c) Public Health , Department of Health Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Bryon Davis, BS (c) Public Health , Department of Health Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
BACKGROUND: Research has shown that the social determinants of health (SDH) or the “conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age” affect health more than previously realized. The Association of American Medical Colleges and the Royal College of Physicians have advocated for more holistic curricula in medical schools to enable future physicians to recognize and address SDH-related risk factors, particularly in chronic disease prevention. OBJECTIVE: Since landmark SDH studies have been conducted in the United Kingdom (UK), this study determined how UK medical students: (1) Perceive the impact of SDH on disease prevention; (2) View the importance of integrating the SDH concept in medical school curricula; (3) Value their role as future physicians in addressing SDH. METHODS: A 37-item online survey was given to medical students from five medical universities. Respondents were recruited through email, handouts, and student organizations. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. RESULTS: The majority of medical students perceived that SDH played a larger role in disease causation than genetic and biological factors. They feel the addition of SDH in medical school curricula is essential to their education. However, there was lack of consensus on how to specifically address SDH in future practice and who has the main responsibility for population health. CONCLUSIONS: Education and training in both biological and behavioral sciences are essential if future physicians are to effectively address the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-based chronic diseases. Physicians should be equipped with competencies and given incentives to incorporate SDH in their medical practice.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Social and behavioral sciences
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health

Learning Objectives:
Describe how UK medical schools incorporate SDH instruction into their curricula. Explain how UK medical school students perceive the impact of social factors on disease. Discuss how students view their role as future physicians in addressing SDH. Discuss what barriers medical school students see as preventing them from addressing SDH in their future practices.

Keywords: Social Inequalities, Professional Training

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: As a physician and public health practitioner, I have been the principal investigator of multiple studies relating to the social determinants of health (SDH)--particularly how policymakers, public health professionals, and the public view SDH. Through professional presentations, publications, and training seminars, I have taught stakeholders how to access health data, frame the SDH message effectively, and communicate appropriate messages to decision-makers.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.