Clinicians can now access a free, step-by-step guide on implementing patient screening processes to more effectively address the non-medical factors influencing health.

PHOENIX, Arizona — In a groundbreaking initiative, the Arizona Medical Association is empowering clinicians to combat health disparities through the SDOH Center of Excellence, a brand-new training and learning center on screening for the non-medical factors impacting patients’ health.

Arizonans’ health outcomes are influenced by the environments in which they live, play, work, learn, and worship, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Studies indicate these factors, clinically known as the “social determinants of health” or “SDOH,” impact up to 50% of patients’ health. Without the necessary data, the non-medical aspects of patients’ health are not fully accounted for in their care plans, contributing to negative outcomes and health disparities.

“It is absolutely crucial for physicians to integrate social determinants of health data,” stated Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, MD, past ArMA president and leader of the initiative. “SDOH data represents about 85% of patients’ overall health and well-being. A lack of access to this data can become a significant barrier to the care management plans physicians recommend. Without the data, we have a lot of blind spots.”

Unfortunately, SDOH screening is not largely adopted by medical practices due to challenges in implementing and operationalizing the process in busy or overwhelmed practice settings. To aid clinicians in overcoming these barriers, ArMA created the SDOH Center of Excellence, a free, virtual step-by-step guide for SDOH screening in the clinical setting. The comprehensive training is being piloted by a cohort of six local medical practices, which are working to enhance their patient screening practices.

The cohort has undergone training in understanding SDOH’s impact, designing a screening process, and referring patients to local resources. Now, the cohort will implement what they’ve learned in their medical practice and begin screening patients for a period of six months.

“Clinicians strive to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to patients every single time,” shared DeShawn Taylor, MD, CEO of Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, a cohort participant. “However, my patients’ verbal or physical presentation in the exam room isn’t always a complete picture of their health, which creates a barrier to delivering whole-person care. That’s why I’m proud to be a part of the cohort. By banding together, clinicians are actively proving we have the ability and power to change the way healthcare is delivered in Arizona.”

Following their implementation, the practices will report crucial data and feedback, informing the development of future programs and research. Most importantly, their screening practices will reveal patients’ unmet needs and directly benefit their health.

"Social determinants have a profound impact on patients’ health. By addressing these non-medical factors, healthcare systems can move beyond treating illness to play a pivotal role in preventing disease and promoting health equity,” said Libby De Bie, CEO of ArMA.

Aspire Allergy and Sinus in Chandler, Desert Star Institute for Family Planning in Phoenix, Gila Valley Clinic in Safford, Mesquite Pediatrics in Tucson, Sonoran Sleep Center in Glendale, and Cardiac Solutions, which has locations across the Valley, are participants in the year-long training program.

ArMA’s SDOH Center of Excellence is generously funded by The Physicians Foundation, which seeks to spread awareness of the best strategies for delivering care to patients impacted by SDOH.

Clinicians interested in learning how SDOH screening can function in their practice are encouraged to visit ArMA-SDOH.org.

About Arizona Medical Association 

Fostering medicine. Championing care. Serving Arizona.

The Arizona Medical Association is the largest organization in the state representing the interests of all physicians and physicians-in-training. Since 1892, ArMA has been advancing patient care and providing its members with leadership, advocacy, education, and community. Alongside our members, we foster the practice of medicine, champion patient care, and strengthen the communities we serve. For more information, visit www.AZmed.org and follow ArMA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn. 

Media Contact:

Shelby Job
(602) 291-4670
sjob@AZmed.org