The importance of influencing upstream social determinants of health in nursing practice

Nurses play a pivotal role in healthcare, yet their influence is often focused on treating individual patients in clinical settings. However, as we discussed in the previous post, many root causes of adverse health outcomes lie far beyond the bedside. Upstream social determinants of health (SDoH) - such as social, economic, and political forces - significantly shape the environments in which people live, work, and age. These non-medical factors include housing, education, and employment, and they have a profound influence on health disparities globally. By addressing these upstream SDoH, nurses can tackle the root causes of illness and promote lasting health improvements, making a broader impact on population health and advancing health equity. The fact that nurses comprise 59% of the global health workforce makes this role of nurses even more vital. 

How does the Global Practice Initiative help integrate upstream SDoH into nursing practice?

The Global Practice Initiative (GPI) aims to empower nurses to engage with upstream SDoH through a combination of education, collaboration, and leadership development. This multidisciplinary project will bring together global experts in nursing and public health to explore nurses' roles in addressing upstream determinants and develop actionable frameworks that nurses can apply in their daily practice. One key aspect of this initiative is the organization of a series of international symposia that will gather global perspectives and promote collaboration between nursing, public health, and other healthcare professions. The ultimate goal is to equip nurses with the tools and skills needed to advocate for social justice, human rights, and policy reforms that address the broader determinants of health - leading to healthier, more equitable communities worldwide.