SDoH are categorized by socioeconomic, education, cultural and environmental domains. Sub-standard conditions among these domains are shown to perpetuate patient health disparities, contribute to their unmet resources, services and transportation needs and widen health inequities, especially affecting those with chronic health conditions. If SDoH issues are not addressed and promptly resolved, they can lead to health deteriorations, higher rates of clinical service utilization, extended hospitalizations or readmissions and a higher total cost of care.

A tech enabled, human-activated patient solution
Modern care guidance goes beyond a mere support role in terms of scope and function. It is a pro-active solution to resolve disparity-driven barriers to accessing and receiving care and to adhering to care plans. Innovative health systems are partnering with care guidance services to implement programs focused upon prevention and pre-emptive interaction with patients -- before non-clinical issues become problematic and costly.
Care guidance has evolved to include both non-clinical conversations as well as systemized assessments to support disease-specific clinical conditions with a tech-enabled, human-activated solution. Specially screened and trained care guides can skillfully perform non-clinical tasks such as scheduling follow-up appointments, helping patients understand and adhere to their treatment plans and ensuring their medication compliance.

Implementing a care guidance program provides patients with a higher level of personalized and preventive care. As a result, providers and clinicians are able to focus upon patient-centered care that generates optimal outcomes and enable patients to return to a normal degree of function and quality of life. Hospitals and their clinical staff receive the extended support they need to advance health equity and deliver care that increases patient experience and satisfaction.

How care guidance works
Care guidance programs rest largely on specially selected and tech-enabled “care guides” who work to establish a peer-to-patient connection with patients and their families. This human-led approach builds trust and enhances a patient’s ability to communicate.

The human touch in care guidance is indispensable, as automated technology alone cannot supplant the personal connection forged through patient interaction. This is especially true considering the limited abilities certain patients have in accessing digital health technologies, and potential use impairments among disabled, disadvantaged and senior populations.

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