Preprint / Version 1

The community health impasse: What can family physicians learn about integration of social determinants of health from the challenges, diversity, and worldview of primary healthcare practices located in Southern India?

Authors

  • David Warnky Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States
  • Swathi Balachandra Department of Family Medicine, Academy of Family Physicians India, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Ramakrishna Prasad Department of Family Medicine, Academy of Family Physicians India, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Kevin Sykes Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States
  • Dorothy Lall Department of Health Services, Institute of Public Health, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  • Upendra Bhojani Department of Health Services, Institute of Public Health, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Keywords:

Community health workers, community responsibility, complexity leadership, health promotion, primary healthcare practices, social determinants of health

Abstract

Context: As social position rises, health improves. Alma Ata set the stage for community-oriented primary care (COPC), and family medicine is perfectly positioned to integrate Social Determinants of Health. India presents a unique environment for innovations in family medicine. Aims: This study aimed to (1) assess the ability of different primary care practices to address the social determinants of health (SDoH); (2) identify key obstacles and supports; and (3) provide practical insights to family physicians and other primary care providers (PCPs) for the integration of SDoH and clinical primary care. Settings and Design: A diverse sample of primary healthcare practices were selected in southern India for investigation. Data collection involved observation and informal interviews. Methods and Material: The researchers used general observation and informal interviews to collect data. Investigators used a basic interview guide to structure conversations and formal journal entries were recorded immediately following each visit. Statistical Analysis Used: Thematic analysis was conducted with NVIVO software to categorize major themes. Results: Seventeen primary healthcare practices were observed; eleven were formally enrolled for interviews. Four inputs and three outputs of socially oriented primary care practices were identified. The inputs include leadership style, appropriate staffing, funding structures, and patient panels. Social interventions, community contact, and treasuring community empowerment were the major outputs. Conclusions: Community health lies at the heart of strengthening primary healthcare. Establishing practices that bridge the gap between clinical primary care and SDoH initiatives need to be prioritized. This study fosters agency for family physicians and PCPs to engage with local communities and lead the path toward this integration. Keywords: Community health workers, community responsibility, complexity leadership, health promotion, primary healthcare practices, social determinants of health

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