From Identification to Advocacy: A Module for Teaching Social Determinants of Health

Date of Review: November, 2018

This MedEdPORTAL resource introduces the broader topic of social determinants of health (SDH) to second-year medical students, with a particular focus on advocacy. Students gain exposure and experience through both small group activities, didactic sessions, and assignments designed to get students out into the community. Strengths include the variety of educational settings, which reinforces course material, as well as the real-world application of skills learned. By requiring students to practice these skills by advocating for a patient (done through the ‘Windshield Survey’, as well as the Needs Assessment and Patient Advocacy assignments), students gain practical experience identifying and addressing SDH.. —Paul Ravenna, MD, NCEAS

Institution:

Vanderbilt

Where Was the Curriculum Implemented?

Nashville, TN

Source of the Curriculum/Resource:

MedEdPORTAL

Outcomes that Have Been Reported for the Curriculum:

Self-reported learner attitude

Self-reported learner knowledge

Outcome and Study Design:

Pre/Post

Level of Learner Assessment:

Appreciation of content/attitude assessment (self-reflection, blogging with rubric)

Demonstration of skill with patients in the clinical or community setting (direct observation, 360 assessment, patient surveys)