Not all patients are the same: The impact of social determinants of health on patient outcomes

<p>This paper explores the relationship between the social determinants of health and their role in individual health. This paper stresses the importance of addressing these factors during healthcare delivery as they play a crucial role in the trajectories of health amongst individuals and communities. The authors present and compare two seemingly identical patients and review the relationship between social determinants of health and patients with diabetes, their effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of addressing them during patient-provider interactions. Lastly, challenges faced by patients, specifically those of the LGBTQ+ community, and healthcare providers in discussing and incorporating social determinants of health during healthcare delivery are explored. Ways to limit and overcome these barriers are also discussed.</p>