Social Determinants of Health Questions to Ask Patients
Comprehensive questions to assess social determinants of health in patients, helping healthcare providers understand the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health outcomes and care planning.
1What is your current living situation, and do you feel safe and stable in your home?
Click to see why this works
What is your current living situation, and do you feel safe and stable in your home?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Housing stability and safety are fundamental social determinants that directly impact health outcomes and access to care.
2Do you have reliable access to nutritious food, and are there times when you worry about having enough to eat?
Click to see why this works
Do you have reliable access to nutritious food, and are there times when you worry about having enough to eat?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Food security is a critical determinant of health that affects nutrition, chronic disease management, and overall wellbeing.
3What is your current employment status, and do you have health insurance through your job?
Click to see why this works
What is your current employment status, and do you have health insurance through your job?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Employment and insurance status directly impact access to healthcare services and ability to afford medications and treatments.
4How do you typically get to medical appointments, and do you have reliable transportation?
Click to see why this works
How do you typically get to medical appointments, and do you have reliable transportation?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Transportation barriers can prevent patients from accessing care, leading to missed appointments and delayed treatment.
5Do you have a support system of family or friends who can help you with your health needs?
Click to see why this works
Do you have a support system of family or friends who can help you with your health needs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Social support is crucial for health outcomes, medication adherence, and recovery from illness or procedures.
6What is your highest level of education, and do you feel confident understanding health information?
Click to see why this works
What is your highest level of education, and do you feel confident understanding health information?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Health literacy affects patients' ability to understand diagnoses, follow treatment plans, and make informed health decisions.
7Do you have any concerns about your ability to afford your medications or medical treatments?
Click to see why this works
Do you have any concerns about your ability to afford your medications or medical treatments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Financial barriers can prevent patients from adhering to treatment plans and accessing necessary healthcare services.
8What is your primary language, and do you feel comfortable communicating with healthcare providers?
Click to see why this works
What is your primary language, and do you feel comfortable communicating with healthcare providers?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Language barriers can impact health outcomes and patient satisfaction, requiring appropriate interpreter services.
9Do you have any concerns about your neighborhood or community that might affect your health?
Click to see why this works
Do you have any concerns about your neighborhood or community that might affect your health?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Community safety, access to healthy foods, and environmental factors significantly impact health outcomes.
10Have you experienced any recent major life changes, stress, or trauma that might be affecting your health?
Click to see why this works
Have you experienced any recent major life changes, stress, or trauma that might be affecting your health?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Stress and trauma can significantly impact physical and mental health, affecting treatment outcomes and recovery.
11Do you have access to technology like a phone or computer for telehealth appointments?
Click to see why this works
Do you have access to technology like a phone or computer for telehealth appointments?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Digital access is increasingly important for healthcare delivery and can affect patients' ability to receive care.
12What are your main sources of stress, and how do you typically cope with them?
Click to see why this works
What are your main sources of stress, and how do you typically cope with them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding stress sources and coping mechanisms helps providers address mental health and its impact on physical health.
13Do you have any concerns about discrimination or bias in healthcare settings?
Click to see why this works
Do you have any concerns about discrimination or bias in healthcare settings?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Experiences of discrimination can affect trust in healthcare providers and willingness to seek care.
14What are your main priorities and goals for your health and wellbeing?
Click to see why this works
What are your main priorities and goals for your health and wellbeing?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding patient priorities helps providers tailor care plans to what matters most to the patient.
15Is there anything else about your life circumstances that you think might be affecting your health?
Click to see why this works
Is there anything else about your life circumstances that you think might be affecting your health?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
This open-ended question allows patients to share additional concerns that might not be covered by specific questions.
Assessing Social Determinants of Health
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Effective Patient Assessment
Create a Safe Environment
Ensure patients feel comfortable sharing personal information by creating a non-judgmental, supportive atmosphere.
Use Open-Ended Questions
Allow patients to share their experiences in their own words rather than leading them to specific answers.
Follow Up Appropriately
When patients identify barriers, work with them to develop practical solutions and connect them with appropriate resources.