Medical Workers' Multidisciplinary Collaborative Approaches to Identifying, Assessing, and Intervening on Social Determinants of Health in Integrated Healthcare Settings

Abstract

Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly influence health outcomes, yet healthcare systems have historically struggled to effectively address these factors within traditional medical models. This article examines how multidisciplinary collaborative approaches among medical workers can enhance identification, assessment, and intervention on SDOH in integrated healthcare settings. Drawing on recent literature and practice examples, the article explores interprofessional collaborative frameworks, role-specific contributions, implementation challenges, and promising intervention models. Findings indicate that effective SDOH-focused collaboration requires intentional team structures, clear role delineation, shared decision-making protocols, and organizational support. Particular attention is given to the integration of social workers within healthcare teams, the development of structured screening and referral processes, and the cultivation of collaborative competencies. The article concludes with recommendations for strengthening multidisciplinary SDOH approaches, including organizational policy changes, educational innovations, and systems-level integration strategies. This comprehensive analysis contributes to understanding how healthcare workers can collaborate more effectively to address the complex social factors influencing patient health and wellbeing.