258809 Thinking outside the box: Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Pediatric Medicine

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Donna Ricketts, MPH , Department of Health Education, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
Background: Pediatric residency training programs do not specifically address the social determinants of health. Pediatricians are serving a population that cannot speak for themselves, by default they have stepped into the roles of health advocate, educator, collaborator and communicator. To fulfill these roles pediatricians must be aware of the social determinants of health that affect their patients and how to intervene on their behalf.

Methods: A comprehensive review of relevant literature on the social determinants of health, competencies, learning approaches and the existence of such curricula in pediatric resident training programs were conducted. Critical evaluation of two well-known pediatric training curriculum and 4 informative interviews with experts in the fields of public health and pediatrics also took place.

Results: Review of the literature found the need for more comprehensive social determinants of health curricula in pediatric resident training programs. This comprehensive Social Determinants of Health Curriculum Framework consists of an Introduction – social determinants of health (what, why, how), Competencies – pediatrician as advocate, educator, collaborator and communicator, Concepts and Principles – social justice, equity, humility, sustainability, and respect, and Teaching Methods and Evaluation – case based learning sessions, service learning, small study groups, individual readings, video screenings, simulations, lectures, eLearning modules and self-reflection.

Conclusions: The project resulted in a new curriculum for teaching pediatric residents about social determinants of health.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
List strategies for modifying existing curriculum to include social determinants of health. Identify the need of social determinants of health training for pediatric residents.

Keywords: Child Health, Social Justice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: First and foremost, I see social justice as a guiding force behind my work. I am a public health educator with over 15 years of informing and educating individuals and communities about health, the social determinants of health and the behaviors that can help prevent diseases, injuries, and illnesses. My strengths lie in Community Assessment, Community Outreach, Program Development, Program Planning, Curriculum Development, Staff Development, Teaching and Training.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.