Gibbings examines social health factors

University of North Georgia (UNG) faculty member Dr. Rima Gibbings has co-authored an article on how health care providers can integrate social determinants of health into the way they provide service to patients.

The article appeared in the June 2021 issue of the Health Policy and Technology journal.

Gibbings, an assistant professor of health informatics and administration, said factors such as language barriers, a long drive or a lack of health literacy can impact the care patients receive. 

"Given the escalating costs of health care delivery in the U.S. and the overrepresentation and susceptibility of individuals and groups to certain disease and health conditions, it becomes important to examine these social determinants and more importantly to suggest how we can better address critical factors so we can reduce risks and vulnerabilities," according to the article.

Gibbings said proper application of such data can lead providers to offer translators for patients or recommend alternative appointment times to decrease commute time and distance. Gibbings said it all comes down to equipping medical providers and patients for success.

"Clinicians want to provide effective care," she said. "They need a data framework put in place by their employer that connects this information with the service they give."