AHA shares concerns about social determinants data collection

The American Hospital Association (AHA) supports adding to future versions of the U.S. Core Data for Interoperability to capture standardized data on social determinants of health (SDOH), but also expressed concerns in a May 10 letter to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). While collecting SDOH data in electronic health records can lead to key insights at the patient and population health levels, the AHA noted, “many of the challenges in collecting these data are not technical in nature, but rather stem from the need to create a value proposition for patients to share highly personal information and provide training and resources to support those engaging directly with patients in data collection.” The AHA suggested the ONC prioritize technical infrastructure development, incorporating lessons learned and continuing investments in real-world testing. (AHA News article, 5/11/21)