In this episode of Quality Matters, host Andy Reynolds discusses the U.S. Playbook to Address Social Determinants of Health with its lead author, Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford. Dr. Ford, a pediatrician and public health advocate with extensive experience at both local and federal levels, highlights the necessity of looking beyond clinical care to factors like housing, nutrition, and transportation. She emphasizes the importance of expanding data gathering and sharing, supporting flexible funding, and investing in backbone organizations to improve healthcare outcomes.

Dr. Ford also tackles the disconnect between local and national levels, advocating for leveraging local expertise and strengthening local programs before seeking federal support. The episode concludes with practical insights on integrating social needs into healthcare delivery and the importance of addressing these determinants to foster a sustainable healthcare system. Dr. Ford dives into what makes a successful organization in public health, focusing on the critical role of data. From the challenges of data standardization and sharing to the importance of good governance and leadership, this episode offers invaluable insights. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating a comprehensive healthcare system that truly considers the full spectrum of social determinants of health.

Key Quote: 

“We are not going to doctor ourselves out of the healthcare crisis. If we really want to address healthcare crises in this nation, we need to understand how are people living, what they're missing. We need to ask questions around how people live their lives. It’s cheaper to give somebody a food prescription than it is to treat an amputee from diabetes. So if we ask the questions on the front end of what people need, we’re better able to serve them from a clinical perspective.”

-Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford

Time Stamps:

(00:51) The Necessity of the Playbook

(02:48) Expanding Data Gathering and Sharing

(10:32) Challenges and Solutions in Data Management

(15:55) Common Misconceptions in Healthcare

Links:

Learn more about the Playbook

Connect with Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford