Social Determinants of Health and Pharmacy Management Systems

How can the interface between SDOH, pharmacy workflow, and pharmacy computer systems, help patients achieve optimal medication-relate outcomes? | Technology Corner | By Brent Fox

We are intimately familiar with the pharmacy management systems that form the core operational structure of community pharmacies. These systems support virtually all tasks performed in the pharmacy. We may also be familiar with the term “social determinants of health” (SDOH), which refers to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Social determinants of health can influence health outcomes. Accordingly, it is important to understand how the SDOH can lead to disparities in health and healthcare access among different populations. It is also important to understand the interface between the SDOH, pharmacy workflow, and pharmacy computer systems, as pharmacy computer systems can assist pharmacy staff as they help their patients achieve optimal medication-related outcomes.

The Social Determinants of Health

Economic stability: Socioeconomic status, which is closely tied to income, significantly impacts health. Income level affects access to healthcare, nutritious food, safe housing, and education. Higher income generally correlates with better health outcomes due to greater access to resources and reduced stress from financial insecurity.