Addressing the drivers of health to improve outcomes for everyone
An individual’s health is influenced by a continuous and complex intersection of factors.
Demystifying the correlation between the social determinants of health and health outcomes could be a key to improving equity across the health ecosystem. Gain a deeper, data-driven understanding of the many drivers of health through our collection of insights, perspectives, and resources.
What are the drivers of health?
Clinical care itself is only one factor that can affect a person's health. Some studies estimate that social, economic, and environmental social determinants of health—or “drivers of health”—can account for 80% of health outcomes, whether positive or negative.1 How we use the term “drivers” reflects a shift from static “determinants” to a focus on how these factors can actively influence health outcomes and underscore the potential for interventions that are intended to enhance well-being.
There's inherent complexity within and between the different drivers of health. Each driver can influence the others, impacting an individual's health and well-being over time. By better understanding each driver, we can employ multidisciplinary strategies to help address gaps in health outcomes.
To start, select a driver of health to learn more about it. And visit this site regularly as we'll continue to release new insights.
Environmental
The environmental drivers of health, encompassing factors such as access to nutritious food, accessibly built environments, and dependable infrastructure, can play an important role in shaping an individual’s overall health and well-being. Gain additional insight with our perspectives.
Economic
The economic drivers of health, encompassing factors such as access to economic growth, funds for basic needs, and secure employment opportunities, can play an important role in shaping an individual’s overall health and well-being. Gain additional insight with our perspectives.
Social
The social drivers of health, encompassing factors such as access to quality education, a dependable community structure, and a safe environment, can play an important role in shaping an individual’s overall health and well-being. Gain additional insight with our perspectives.
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Drive meaningful change and equity of care for all
Endnotes
1County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, “County Health Rankings Model,” accessed April 5, 2021; James N. Weinstein et al. (eds.), Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2017).