Mini course · Foundation level
Social Determinants of Health
Understand the conditions in which people live and work, and why they shape health more than healthcare does.
What is Social Determinants of Health?
Health is shaped by far more than medical care. The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age, including income, education, housing, employment, environment and social support, strongly influence health outcomes and inequalities. This course explains the social determinants of health, health equity, how determinants affect individual patients, screening for social needs and how healthcare organisations can respond.
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Lessons
- 4
- Level
- Foundation
- Format
- Online, self-paced
What you'll be able to do
- Define the social determinants of health and health equity
- Explain how social conditions create health inequalities
- Identify social needs affecting a described patient
- Apply a respectful approach to screening for social needs
- Connect patients with appropriate community resources
- Describe actions healthcare organisations can take to address inequity
Who this course is for
Course content
4 lessons · 1 hour total · free preview available
1Beyond Healthcare
14 minFree preview· Course content
Beyond Healthcare
What really determines health.
2Inequality and Equity
16 min· Course content
Inequality and Equity
Available after you enroll.
3Social Needs in Practice
16 min· Course content
Social Needs in Practice
Available after you enroll.
4What Organisations Can Do
14 min· Course content
What Organisations Can Do
Available after you enroll.
Earn a credential employers can check
Every AIHCM credential has a unique ID that anyone can verify online in seconds.
Issued: on completion
How it works
- Finish all 4 lessons at your own pace.
- Get your digital credential with a unique ID.
- Share it — employers can verify it at aihcm.us.
Questions people ask
Is this a political course?
No. It presents evidence on how social conditions affect health and what healthcare can do.
Is it relevant for clinicians?
Yes. Social needs affect adherence, outcomes and readmissions.
Is the content country-specific?
No. Examples come from several regions.
What should I take next?
Health Promotion Program Design or Global Health Essentials.