PQA Releases Third Social Determinants of Health Resource Guide

The Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) has released a third edition of the PQA Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Resource Guide. The third edition of this guide profiles 40 SDOH services, including eight new services and updates to ten initiatives from the previous two editions. Created by the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA), the guide spotlights SDOH screenings, referrals and interventions focused on improving medication use quality.

The guide covers services that address at least one of seven SDOH barriers, plus expands the number of interventions that focus on food and nutrition. It also highlights tactics employed by successful SDOH programs.

“Throughout developing the guide, we have identified several tactics among successful initiatives such as community partnerships, training, and cultural sensitivity.” PQA Education Director Amanda Ryan, PharmD, BCGP, CPHQ, said. “These tactics can be considered by those developing their own SDOH programs and are testaments to the power of innovation, adaptability and unwavering dedication to improving the quality of medication use.”

The guide has been instrumental in identifying real-world interventions and screenings that have addressed SDOH, especially programs that are not described in peer-reviewed journals and other grey literature.

“PQA members continue to expand the work they are doing to address social determinants of health for the populations that they serve,” PQA Chief Executive Officer Micah Cost, PharmD, MS, CAE, said. “The third edition of the guide takes a closer look at food and nutrition security. We know that individuals without reliable access to affordable, nutritious food are more likely to encounter challenges related to medication access and outcomes of medication therapy.”

Access the resource guide here. PQA welcomes feedback on the guide and suggestions on SDOH services, which can be highlighted in future editions. Feedback can be provided to PQA by email at Education@PQAalliance.org. Interventions or services can be recommended for inclusion in the guide through a form on PQA’s website.

This activity was supported by an independent education grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.