Providers’ social determinants of health, burnout, and efficacy addressing patients’ social determinants of health needs
Keywords:
clinical efficacy, healthcare providers, professional degree, provider burnout, social determinants of healthAbstract
Healthcare provider burnout and the capacity to address patients’ social determinants of health are critical issues in modern medical systems. This study investigated the relationships among providers’ personal social determinants of health (Prov-SDH) needs, burnout, and perceived efficacy in addressing patients’ social determinants of health (Pt-SDH) needs. Using a sample of 149 healthcare professionals, the study examined how individual Prov-SDH factors, professional degree, clinical setting, and years of practice influenced these outcomes. Statistical analyses revealed no significant correlation between providers’ current or lifetime Prov-SDH needs and their reported burnout symptoms or Pt-SDH-related efficacy. However, results indicated that lifetime Prov-SDH needs varied significantly by professional degree, with Physician Assistants reporting the highest needs and Social Workers and Psychologists reporting the lowest. These findings suggest that the specific global Prov-SDH variables measured here were not significant predictors of burnout, while systemic workplace barriers appeared more closely related to perceived Pt-SDH efficacy. The results also support the need for provider-specific measurement tools that better capture interpersonal, intersectional, and higher-SES forms of strain.
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