Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical variables that form our big picture of health. Where we live, work, and play influences our health and health care experiences.
By considering client SDOH, audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can provide better quality care, advocate for health equity, and achieve better outcomes.
Understanding SDOH
This video illustrates how SDOH shapes care and outcomes for clients. See how SDOH-informed care shows up in Antonio's aphasia recovery after a stroke, and in Ken's journey to navigate job loss and seek hearing support.*
*Antonio and Ken are fictional characters, but they represent people with different diagnoses and SDOH that audiologists and speech-language pathologists work with every day.
SDOH Topics
What Are SDOH?
Which factors influence client health? Learn about protective factors, social risk factors, and social needs.
What's My Role?
How do SDOH fit into your clinical scope and responsibilities? Consider how to screen, make referrals, and share information.
Tools and Support
Access screening tools and referral resources. Learn which ASHA teams can answer your SDOH questions.
Same Diagnosis, Different SDOH
Meet two characters, Antonio and Ronald, and discover how their SDOH changes after a major health event.
You Decide: SDOH in Practice
Investigate what happens when clinicians in five practice settings incorporate—or ignore—SDOH information.
Learn More About SDOH
Watch, listen, and read more about SDOH. Connect your knowledge to related frameworks, and explore continuing education opportunities.
Share how you’re exploring or applying this topic in your work, and let us know if you’d like to stay connected.
