Tackling the Social Determinants of Health: A Critical Component of Safe and Effective Healthcare

Consider a 5-year-old boy presenting to the primary care center after a recent emergency department visit for an acute asthma exacerbation. His pediatrician prepares for the visit by briefly examining his chart. After reviewing clinic and emergency department records, the clinician is convinced that this exacerbation could have been prevented if the child had been taking his prescribed controller medication and not missed his last appointment. Feeling frustrated, the clinician knocks on the door unsure where this visit should go. The clinician believes that medical management has been appropriate and evidence-based—why is this child’s asthma still under poor control