Best Practices for SDOH Data Collection and Use Improve Health Outcomes

NYC area expert explains social determinants of health data, its role in healthcare success, and best practices for collecting and managing SDOH data—in a new article from Messaging Architects

HOBOKEN, N.J., Oct. 5, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Messaging Architects, an eMazzanti Technologies Company and information governance expert, explains best practices for social determinants of health (SDOH) data collection and use in a new article. The informative article first asserts that knowing social and economic factors is critical to healthcare success. He cites the example of SDOH data used to identify high-risk pregnant women.

The author then discusses challenges of gathering and using SDOH data, including a lack of standardization, scattered data sources, and privacy and security concerns. He concludes by offering best practices for collecting and managing SDOH data, such as standardized tools and methods, clear and specific goals, and steps to insure regulatory compliance.

"The medical community recognizes the importance of SDOH," stated Greg Smith, Vice President of Services Delivery at Messaging Architects. "However, lack of standardization and other challenges make it difficult for these organizations to leverage this data to improve health outcomes."

Below are a few excerpts from the article, "Best Practices for SDOH Data Collection and Use Improve Health Outcomes."

Social and Economic Factors Critical to Healthcare Success

"SDOH data can help healthcare organizations improve patient outcomes first by identifying the needs and challenges of different populations. Having identified specific needs and trends, providers can then develop interventions tailored to addressing root causes of health disparities. And by collaborating with other stakeholders, they can create important systemic changes."

Challenges to Gathering and Using SDOH Data

"While the healthcare community largely agrees on the value of SDOH data, collecting and using that information effectively involves challenges. For instance, a lack of standardization in how and what data are collected reduces data value. As yet, no consensus exists on what constitutes SDOH and how to store, measure, and report the data."

Best Practices for Collecting and Managing SDOH Data

"Overcoming these challenges will require more collaboration and innovation among stakeholders from multiple sectors. For example, organizations can use methods such as surveys, screening tools, and interviews to collect SDOH data. Using tools and methods that have been tested and standardized will help ensure the quality and usability of the data."

"Because of the nature of the data collected, organizations must ensure regulatory compliance, preserving data security and privacy. In addition to informed consent, this may include anonymizing the data and implementing data encryption. It will also involve carefully managing data access and data lifecycle."

Data Management Professionals

By collecting, integrating, and using SDOH data wisely, healthcare entities can design programs to effectively address health disparities. An important step in this process involves information governance, the process of locating, managing and securing data across the enterprise. The information governance experts at Messaging Architects help healthcare organizations harness the power of their data.

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About Messaging Architects

Messaging Architects specializes in effectively managing and securing an organization's most precious asset, its information. With over 20 years of information management and technology consulting experience, the Messaging Architects team has provided corporations, educational intuitions, health care facilities and nonprofits with methodologies, procedures, and technology to keep their data organized, compliant and secure.

About eMazzanti Technologies

eMazzanti's team of trained, certified IT experts rapidly deliver increased revenue growth, data security and productivity for clients ranging from law firms to high-end global retailers, expertly providing advanced business cyber security, retail and payment technology, digital marketing services, AI, cloud and mobile solutions, multi-site implementations, 24×7 outsourced network management, remote monitoring, and support.

eMazzanti's consistent growth landed them on the Inc. 5000 list 9X. Recognized as a 4X Microsoft Partner of the Year, the #1 ranked NYC area MSP, NJ Business of the Year, and 5X WatchGuard Partner of the Year, the company excels as a trusted outsourced IT partner! Contact: 1-866-362-9926, [email protected] or http://www.emazzanti.net Twitter: @emazzanti Facebook: Facebook.com/emazzantitechnologies.

Media Contact

Kent D Sorensen, Messaging Architects, 4803345403, [email protected], www.messagingarchitects.com

SOURCE Messaging Architects