Introduction to SDOH Partnerships
The Importance of Collaboration
Health systems must collaborate with community-based organizations (CBOs) to effectively address social determinants of health (SDOH). This teamwork is essential for successful SDOH projects and programs.
The Role of CBOs in SDOH
CBOs excel in on-the-ground efforts to address SDOH. Their deep-rooted community knowledge makes social services more accessible. Bryan Buckley, DrPH, MPH, the director of health equity initiatives at the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), emphasizes that SDOH work requires a team approach. He notes that healthcare organizations cannot tackle SDOH alone and need to partner with CBOs and public health institutions.
The Shift to Whole-Person Care
The healthcare industry is increasingly focused on whole-person care, driven by a shift from volume to value in payment models. This shift has highlighted the importance of preventive care and well-being. Medical interventions account for only about 20% of individual health, making it crucial to address SDOH.
The Increasing Emphasis on SDOH
The Growing Importance of SDOH
Healthcare providers are increasingly considering SDOH in their clinical decision-making. Currently, SDOH factors into clinical decisions about 35% of the time, according to an Annals of Family Medicine report. This number is expected to grow as healthcare stakeholders continue to emphasize health equity and SDOH strategies.
The Role of Payment Models
As more payment models require hospitals and providers to address SDOH, healthcare organizations will need the right tools to understand and meet patients’ social needs. This necessitates a strong team within the community.
The Role of CBOs in SDOH Efforts
The Unique Insights of CBOs
CBOs provide valuable insights into patients’ social needs, including their physical health, social connections, wellness, and financial health. These insights can help healthcare organizations develop more effective interventions.
The Challenges of Partnering with CBOs
Creating a strong partnership with CBOs requires healthcare organizations to navigate the capabilities and needs of potential partners. Hospitals and health systems often have more financial and social capital, giving them a powerful position. However, they must keep an open mind and be transparent about their resources to maintain a strong partnership.
Building Effective Partnerships
Negotiation and Value Creation
Effective partnerships require a multi-party negotiation approach. Healthcare organizations must understand the unique challenges faced by CBOs and create value beyond a zero-sum perspective. For example, addressing issues like diabetes and food wellness requires collaboration, as community-based solutions are often more cost-effective.
Leveraging Resources
Hospitals and health systems can offer valuable resources to CBOs, such as data infrastructure improvements that enhance grant funding opportunities. CBOs can also benefit from the intellectual and political capital that healthcare organizations bring.
Sustaining Long-Term Partnerships
Mutual Understanding and Respect
Sustaining a partnership requires mutual understanding and respect. NCQA has launched resources to guide healthcare stakeholders and CBO leaders in building equitable partnerships. These guides cover various facets of partnership negotiation, including translating different terminologies and maintaining long-term teamwork.
Setting Expectations
Setting clear expectations is crucial for a successful partnership. Both parties must agree on their responsibilities, communication methods, and metrics for success. Shared decision-making and data-sharing agreements are also essential components.
The Shared Goal of Health Equity
Overcoming Differences
Healthcare organizations and CBOs must recognize their shared goal of improving health equity despite any differences in process and language. Working together, rather than alongside each other, is vital for achieving this goal.
The Importance of Collaboration
Bryan Buckley emphasizes that health equity is a team sport. Both healthcare organizations and CBOs need to appreciate each other’s challenges and opportunities to move SDOH work forward. The stories they tell about their collaboration will reflect their success in addressing SDOH.
Conclusion
The Future of SDOH Work
The future of SDOH work depends on strong partnerships between healthcare organizations and community-based organizations. By working together, they can address the social factors that significantly impact individual health and well-being. Effective collaboration will lead to improved health outcomes and a stronger focus on health equity.
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FAQs
1. Why is it important for healthcare organizations to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) for SDOH work?
Answer: CBOs have deep community knowledge and excel in addressing SDOH, making social services more accessible and interventions more effective.
2. What are some key challenges in forming and maintaining partnerships between healthcare organizations and CBOs?
Answer: Challenges include navigating different capabilities and needs, managing power imbalances, and setting clear expectations and data-sharing agreements.
3. How can healthcare organizations and CBOs ensure their partnership is effective and sustainable?
Answer: Effective partnerships require mutual respect, clear expectations, shared decision-making, and leveraging resources like data infrastructure and political advocacy.
