Addressing the Drivers of Health to Improve Outcomes for Everyone

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. The root causes of disparate health outcomes often include racism and bias, structural flaws in the health care system, and deep inequities within these drivers.2 By better understanding the root causes of each driver, we can employ multidisciplinary strategies to help address gaps in health equity.