Running head: SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH 1 Social Determinants of Health C350 Comprehensive Health Assessment Task 2 A1. Interview Techniques Four evidenced based inte rview techniques I used to assess my patient’s social determinants during his comprehensive health assessment were first I use...
Four evidenced based interview techniques I used to assess my patient’s social
determinants during his comprehensive health assessment were first I used guided questioning
using open-ended questions to allow him the opportunity to open up and share with me. I began
by providing a quiet private area with no interruptions, so that he would feel comfortable
speaking openly and honestly. I used active listening throughout the interview focusing on what
he was sharing with me and gave empathetic responses when necessary. I used non-verbal
communication by paying attention to my body language throughout the interview. I kept my
posture relaxed and used non-verbal signs of validation by nodding my head, maintaining eye
contact, and a relaxed facial expression, especially when discussing issues that may be sensitive
in nature. Lastly. I used summarization to assure him that I was fully understanding to avoid any
miscommunication. Using all these techniques when conducting a comprehensive health
assessment helps facilitate full communication, improves the flow of the interview and ensures
that the patient’s whole story is obtained. (Bickley, 2017).
A1a. Justification of Social Determinant Questions
The social determinants of health topic area within Healthy People 2020 is designed to
identify ways to create social and physical environments that promote good health for all. Those
five determinants are economic stability, education, social and community context, health and
health care, and neighborhood and built environment (Healthy People.gov 2020). In order to
assess these five areas during my interview with Mr. D, I asked him specific questions relating to
each of the social determinants.
, SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH 3
Economic stability was assessed by asking Mr. D what he did for a living. He responded
that he was a maintenance technician full time doing apartment maintenance. He is able to pay
his bills on time every month, but he stated he had very little debt. He stated he lives comfortably
and is able to save money on a monthly basis. This is important to assess because the patient may
not be employed and not have enough money to support himself, if that’s the case, he may need
some assistance with his financial resources.
Education was assessed by asking Mr. D what was the highest level of education he had
completed? By asking this question I can see the educational status and health literacy of my
patient. I can determine how to explain medical tests and procedures to him in a way that will
make it easy for him to understand. Mr. D. stated that he had graduated from high school and had
attended two years of college but did not graduate college.
Social and community context was assessed by asking Mr. D. about his marital status,
and family support system. He stated that he had a longtime girlfriend that he lives with that was
a registered nurse and that he has many siblings living in close proximity for support. These
questions helped me assess his social support system. I asked Mr. D. about behavioral habits that
could potentially affect his health such as drinking, smoking and the use of recreational drugs.
He responded that he does drink socially 2-3 beers per day and uses marijuana occasionally. He
denied tobacco smoking and cocaine or methamphetamine use. I didn’t ask the patient about
community involvement or volunteer activities to assess his involvement in the community.
I asked Mr. D if he had medical insurance, he responded that he did not have medical
insurance because it was not offered through his present employer. Asking about medical
insurance helps me assess health and healthcare determinant. I asked him when the last time he
saw a PCP, which he responded ten years ago because he has no insurance. Mr. D did say that he
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller ProfGoodlucK. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
