The Social Determinants of Health: Their Importance for the Medical Curriculum

Mullen, K. (2015) The Social Determinants of Health: Their Importance for the Medical Curriculum. In: AMEE 2015, Glasgow, Scotland, 27-31 Aug 2015,

Abstract

Background: Unemployment and social class inequalities are projected to increase in coming years and both have important implications for health. In undergraduate medical curricula there is often a tendency to under-emphasise these social determinants of health and focus primarily on clinical aspects. Summary of Work: To address this gap two literature reviews were completed: the first on the effects of unemployment upon health, the second on social class differences in health. These were conducted to synthesise the current state of research and explore the theoretical explanations underpinning the relationship between these social determinants of health and their impact on health and illness. It is intended that these will eventually form part of a textbook for undergraduate medical students. Summary of Results: The research consensus is that unemployment is a stressful life-event that can cause ill health, both mental and physical and even mortality. Again, although reproductive and adult mortality for each social class has been decreasing over the past century, the disparity in mortality rates between the upper and the lower social classes is increasing. Conclusions: We show the importance for students to understand the factors that produce health inequalities so that they can be involved in evidence-based practice when the majority become general medical practitioners on their graduation. Specifically in relation to their advocacy role. Take-home message: The production of educational material on the social determinants of health will prioritise and enhance teaching in this often neglected area of the medical curriculum.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mullen, Dr Kenneth
• Authors: Mullen, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Published Online: 27 August 2015

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