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Social Determinants of Health

Health Care Systems

Daniel J. Pesut, Ph.D., RN, FAAN and Karen A. Monsen, PhD, RN, FAMIA, FNAP, FAAN

This third of five courses explores topics related to the social determinants of health and health care systems. This course will also focus on the relationship between the social determinants of health, mental health, substance abuse, and trauma. The topics of this course include:

1. Health Literacy

2. Mental Health & Substance Abuse

3. Violence, Conflict, and Trauma

4. Ethical Considerations for Health Systems and Data

5. Data Applications: Correlation Analysis and Heat Map Visualization

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Syllabus

Health Literacy
This module will introduce the concept of health literacy, as we also examine how health literacy is measured. In lesson one, we will look at some of the social determinants of health that interact with health literacy, as we investigate the link between low health literacy and poor health outcomes. We will also review the Health Literacy Umbrella as a framework for improving health literacy, as we evaluate several policies, solutions, and perspectives for addressing disparities in health literacy. In lesson two, we will explore some of the resources available for measuring health literacy as we consider the many perspectives of health literacy measurement.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid foundation for an understanding of the impact of the social determinants of health on health care systems
Taught by highly experienced and recognized nurse practitioners in the fields of nursing informatics and mental health
Develops an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in addressing social determinants of health in health systems
Provides hands-on practice in analyzing, displaying, and interpreting social determinants of health data
Requires a strong background in health care and/or public health
Does not cover the latest trends or advancements in the field of social determinants of health

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Reviews summary

Understanding sdoh and healthcare systems

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to social determinants of health and their profound impact on healthcare systems. Learners particularly value the breadth of topics covered, from health literacy and mental health to trauma and ethical considerations. The course is highlighted for its inclusion of practical application modules, such as the ethical frameworks for health systems and the data analysis using R, which equip students with valuable skills. However, some learners may find the data application section challenging if they lack a prior background in statistics or programming, suggesting it might require additional effort. Overall, it serves as a strong foundational course for professionals and students in public health and related fields.
Establishes a strong groundwork for understanding complex public health and healthcare issues.
"This course solidified my understanding of how social factors truly impact health outcomes in diverse populations."
"It’s an excellent starting point for anyone looking to delve into the complexities of social determinants of health."
"I now feel much more prepared to engage in discussions and initiatives focused on health equity and justice."
Integrates valuable modules on ethical considerations and practical data application.
"The ethical considerations module was particularly insightful and directly applicable to my work in healthcare policy."
"I appreciated the introduction to data analysis in R; it’s a practical skill addition that I can use."
"The course moved beyond theory, offering concrete examples of data application and interpretation."
Covers a wide range of relevant and interconnected social determinants of health topics.
"I found the course incredibly relevant to current public health challenges and my professional interests."
"It covered a surprisingly wide array of topics, from health literacy to trauma, all interconnected and well-explained."
"This course provided a much-needed comprehensive overview of social determinants and their implications."
The R programming section might be challenging for those without prior statistical or coding experience.
"While valuable, the data applications module required some prior statistical knowledge that I struggled with initially."
"I found the R programming part challenging and felt it could have used more foundational explanation for beginners."
"The transition to R was a bit abrupt for someone new to coding; I wished for more preparatory materials."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Systems with these activities:
Review the social determinants of health
Refreshing your knowledge of the social determinants of health will provide a foundation for understanding their impact on health outcomes and health systems.
Browse courses on Social Determinants of Health
Show steps
  • Review key concepts and definitions related to social determinants of health.
  • Consider how social factors influence health and well-being.
Review statistical concepts
Brushing up on these foundational statistical concepts will facilitate a better comprehension of how these techniques are applied within the healthcare domain.
Browse courses on Statistics
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  • Revisit basic statistical terminology and concepts.
  • Review probability distributions, central tendency measures, and hypothesis testing.
Organize and summarize course materials
Organizing and summarizing course materials will help you retain the information presented in a structured and accessible manner.
Show steps
  • Review and organize lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
  • Create a summary or outline of each module, highlighting key concepts and insights.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Learn about health literacy measurement tools
Engaging with tutorials will provide a practical understanding of the various tools used to assess health literacy, enabling you to critically evaluate their strengths and limitations.
Browse courses on Health Literacy
Show steps
  • Identify and explore different health literacy measurement tools.
  • Understand the underlying principles and psychometric properties of these tools.
Learn data visualization techniques for healthcare data
Mastering data visualization techniques will enable you to effectively communicate insights and findings from healthcare data, making it accessible and actionable for various stakeholders.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Explore different data visualization tools and techniques.
  • Learn how to choose appropriate visualizations based on the data and intended audience.
Discuss case studies on ethical considerations in healthcare
Engaging in peer discussions will provide diverse perspectives on ethical dilemmas, fostering critical thinking and enhancing your decision-making abilities in healthcare settings.
Browse courses on Ethics
Show steps
  • Review case studies that present ethical challenges in healthcare.
  • Participate in group discussions to analyze the ethical principles and values involved.
  • Develop and defend your own ethical perspectives based on the discussions.
Analyze social determinants of mental health data
Hands-on practice with data analysis techniques will enhance your ability to identify patterns and draw meaningful insights from complex mental health datasets.
Browse courses on Social Determinants of Health
Show steps
  • Load and explore mental health data.
  • Perform statistical tests to identify correlations between social determinants and mental health outcomes.
  • Interpret and visualize the results to gain actionable insights.
Contribute to open-source projects related to healthcare data
By actively participating in the open-source community, you will gain practical experience in managing and analyzing healthcare data, while also contributing to the advancement of the field.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to healthcare data analysis that align with your interests and skill level.
  • Review the project documentation and codebase.
  • Contribute to the project by identifying and addressing issues, suggesting improvements, or developing new features.
Develop a policy brief on a social determinant of health
Creating a policy brief will allow you to apply your understanding of social determinants of health to a real-world issue, proposing evidence-based solutions and recommendations for action.
Browse courses on Social Determinants of Health
Show steps
  • Identify a specific social determinant of health to focus on.
  • Research and gather evidence on the impact of the social determinant on health outcomes.
  • Develop policy recommendations to address the issue, considering feasibility, effectiveness, and ethical implications.
  • Write a concise and persuasive policy brief outlining the problem, evidence, and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Social Determinants of Health Specialist
As a Social Determinants of Health Specialist, you will identify and address the social, economic and environmental factors that influence health outcomes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health, including health literacy, mental health, substance abuse, and violence, conflict and trauma. Understanding the ethical considerations of addressing social determinants of health in health systems, and the ethical considerations of using SDOH-related data is also covered in this course. The knowledge and skills gained from this course will help you develop and implement interventions to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Determinants of Health Specialist
Health Systems Analyst
As a Health Systems Analyst, you will use data analysis to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare systems. This course will provide you with the skills to identify and analyze social determinants of health data, and to develop and implement data-driven solutions to improve health outcomes. You will learn how to use correlation analysis and heat map visualization to identify patterns and trends in data, and to communicate your findings to stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Systems Analyst
Health Policy Analyst
As a Health Policy Analyst, you will develop and evaluate policies to improve the health of populations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and evaluate policies that address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to inform policy decisions, and how to communicate your findings to policymakers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst
Health Equity Researcher
As a Health Equity Researcher, you will study the causes and consequences of health disparities. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to design and conduct research studies to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand health disparities, and how to communicate your findings to policymakers and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Equity Researcher
Community Health Educator
As a Community Health Educator, you will work with communities to promote health and prevent disease. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement community-based interventions to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand health needs, and how to communicate your findings to community members.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Educator
Social Worker
As a Social Worker, you will work with individuals, families, and communities to address social and emotional problems. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement interventions to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand social needs, and how to communicate your findings to clients and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Public Health Nurse
As a Public Health Nurse, you will work with communities to promote health and prevent disease. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement community-based interventions to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand health needs, and how to communicate your findings to community members.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse
Health Information Manager
As a Health Information Manager, you will oversee the collection, analysis, and use of health information. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to use data analysis to identify and address these factors. You will learn how to develop and implement data-driven solutions to improve health outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Information Manager
Health Equity Advocate
As a Health Equity Advocate, you will work to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement advocacy campaigns to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand health disparities, and how to communicate your findings to policymakers and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Equity Advocate
Mental Health Counselor
As a Mental Health Counselor, you will work with individuals and families to address mental health issues. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement interventions to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand mental health needs, and how to communicate your findings to clients and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselor
As a Substance Abuse Counselor, you will work with individuals and families to address substance abuse issues. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement interventions to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand substance abuse needs, and how to communicate your findings to clients and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Substance Abuse Counselor
Industrial Hygienist
As an Industrial Hygienist, you will identify and evaluate workplace hazards and develop solutions to protect workers' health. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement interventions to address these factors in the workplace. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand workplace health hazards, and how to communicate your findings to employers and workers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Hygienist
Ergonomist
As an Ergonomist, you will design and evaluate workplaces to improve worker safety and productivity. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement interventions to address these factors in the workplace. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand workplace ergonomic hazards, and how to communicate your findings to employers and workers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ergonomist
Occupational Therapist
As an Occupational Therapist, you will work with individuals and families to improve their ability to perform daily activities. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement interventions to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand occupational therapy needs, and how to communicate your findings to clients and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
As a Physical Therapist, you will work with individuals and families to improve their physical function. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to understand the social determinants of health, and to develop and implement interventions to address these factors. You will learn how to use data analysis to identify and understand physical therapy needs, and how to communicate your findings to clients and stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Systems.
Cover image
The Inner Level
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between social inequality and health. It is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the impact of social factors on health.
The Inner Level
Paperback
Check
The Inner Level
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Race, Place, and Environmental Justice After...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between social inequality and health. It is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the impact of social factors on health.
Race, Place, and Environmental Justice After...
Paperback
Check
Race, Place, and Environmental Justice After...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Health Gap
Save
Explores the social and economic factors that contribute to health inequalities around the world. It powerful call to action for addressing the root causes of health disparities.
The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World
Hardcover
$$
The Health Gap, Status Syndrome 2 Books Collection...
Paperback
$$
The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Molecular Neuropharmacology
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of substance abuse, with a focus on the social determinants of substance use. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the substance abuse field.
Molecular Neuropharmacology
Paperback
Check
Molecular Neuropharmacology
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Meeting Health Information Needs Outside Of...
Save
Provides a comprehensive review of the literature on health literacy. It valuable resource for students and professionals in public health, nursing, and other health-related fields.
Meeting Health Information Needs Outside Of...
Paperback
$$$
Meeting Health Information Needs Outside Of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Nature of Health
Save
Provides a global perspective on the social determinants of health. It useful resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about this topic.
The Nature of Health
Paperback
Check
The Nature of Health
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Minnesota
Instructors
Daniel J. Pesut, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Karen A. Monsen, PhD, RN, FAMIA, FNAP, FAAN
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Social Determinants of Health: Data to Action. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Social Determinants of Health: Planetary Health
  2. Social Determinants of Health: Methodological Opportunities
  3. Social Determinants of Health: Vulnerable Populations
  4. Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Systems (viewing)
  5. Introduction to Social Determinants of Health
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid foundation for an understanding of the impact of the social determinants of health on health care systems
Taught by highly experienced and recognized nurse practitioners in the fields of nursing informatics and mental health
Develops an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in addressing social determinants of health in health systems
Provides hands-on practice in analyzing, displaying, and interpreting social determinants of health data
Requires a strong background in health care and/or public health
Does not cover the latest trends or advancements in the field of social determinants of health
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