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Author Credentials

Cassandra Simpkins PharmD, BCPS Alexandra Garrett Bowman DO Kathleen Bors MD FAAFP Meghan Allwes DO Lisa Calderwood MPH

Author ORCID Identifier

Cassandra Simpkins 0000-0002-7872-5234

Alexandra Garrett Bowman 0009-0004-8605-0064

Kathleen Bors 0009-0005-9160-0099

Meghan Allwes 0009-0001-2041-3617

Lisa Calderwood - 0009-0002-7729-8733

Keywords

social determinants of health; undergraduate medical education; undergraduate pharmacy education; health knowledge, attitudes, practice

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Medical Education

Abstract

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are recognized as modifiable drivers of optimal health and an opportunity to achieve health equity, yet many clinicians still experience barriers to addressing their patients’ social needs. To help connect patients to supportive resources, the American Academy of Family Physicians developed the Neighborhood Navigator (NN) tool. This study examined the impact of incorporating the NN tool into SDoH education for medical and pharmacy students and examined their perceptions of the tool.

Methods

This prospective study of third- and fourth-year medical and PharmD students included assessments before and after an SDoH learning activity. The survey assessment queried attitudes and knowledge of SDoH and the NN tool. Pre- vs post-lecture responses were compared.

Results

After the learning activity, the responses to the following statement changed significantly: “I have a comprehensive understanding of SDoH.”

Conclusion

Familiarizing clinicians with the NN tool should increase confidence in navigating SDoH and can be accomplished with straightforward instruction early in training.

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