Public Health Integration
Identify Social Determinants of Health to Improve Patient Outcomes
Family medicine and public health have a shared goal of improving the health of families and communities. No other specialty treats a broader range of conditions than family physicians, and none offer dynamic and longitudinal care to so many people. This page serves as a centralized hub for family physicians to find education and motivation as they discover ways their impact can extend well beyond the clinic walls, improving places where patients live, learn, work, and play.
The Drivers of Health
Social and Economic Environment: Non-medical conditions that significantly impact health and quality of life.
Health Behavior: Daily habits, actions, and attitudes that influence health and quality of life.
Clinical Care: Any evidence-based medical treatment provided by health professionals.
Physical Environment: External surroundings and conditions in which we live that influence health and quality of life.
Clinical Guidance
AAFP clinical guidance includes evidence-based recommendations such as preventive services, clinical practice guidelines, and Choosing Wisely — all covering topics across the lifespan of your patients.
Care Resources
All patients require a personalized approach based on their lifestyles and situations. However, the AAFP also offers these proven resources to help you manage patient concerns and care for universal health issues or risks.
Prevention
The AAFP advocates for regulatory standards and payment policies that support preventive services, compiling helpful resources enabling you to deliver evidence-based, cost-effective care to patients.
Advocacy
The Academy offers an array of resources to help you reach lawmakers and maximize the impact of your communication with them, whether by social media, phone or — best of all — in person.