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Change Management

Considering Social Determinants of Health to Elevate O&P Care and Outcomes

Friday, February 20, 2026
2:15 PM - 3:45 PM CDT
Room: Volunteer Breakout 1

Social determinants of health (SDOH) account for as much as 80% of health outcomes, compared to healthcare (including orthotics and prosthetics) which accounts for less than 20%. This session explores how SDOH, such as race, income, and living environment, influence access and rehabilitation in O&P care. Through real-world case studies, attendees will learn to identify SDOH, improve care delivery through pragmatic interventions, and foster inclusive, patient-centered approaches that address SDOH, reduce disparities, and elevate patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define key concepts of social determinants of health (SDOH), and explore them through the lens of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) and the Social Ecological Model of health (SEM) and how they relate to O&P care.
  • Analyze how SDOH can influence clinical decision-making and patient outcomes in O&P.
  • Apply the ICF and SEM to real-world O&P case studies to identify barriers and opportunities for improved care delivery
  • Evaluate strategies to integrate holistic, patient-centered approaches into O&P practice using insights from the ICF and the SEM.
  • Discuss the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive care in addressing health disparities for patients in O&P.