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Social Determinants of Health in Primary Care: What Can GPs Actually Do?

FridayJuly 3rd8:00 - 9:00233 M

Deborah LAUWERS, Karolina GRIFFITHS, Géraldine LAYANI and Maria Pilar ASTIER-PENA

Chronic non-communicable diseases are a major and growing challenge for primary care. Although general practitioners (GPs) routinely address lifestyle factors, these behaviours are strongly influenced by social determinants of health (SDH), including income, housing, education and social isolation. Interventions that fail to consider these determinants are often ineffective and may increase health inequalities.  Nearly 40 years after the Ottawa Charter, many GPs still ask a pragmatic question: what can we actually do in daily practice to address SDH? Across Europe, innovative primary care models are emerging that go beyond the consultation room. This workshop explores concrete examples, including 'health care mediation' programmes in France, 'social prescribing' initiatives in Spain, the ‘medical houses’ model in Belgium and 'innovative community outreach' initiatives in Quebec.Improve understanding of SDH and their impact on chronic disease management  Share practical and transferable primary care models addressing SDH  Encourage reflection on the evolving social and community role of GPsThe workshop will use an interactive, participatory format. Participants will be divided into four small groups, each analysing a real-world European case study (as cited in introduction). The theoretical concepts of SDH, impacts on care pathways of chronical conditions, etc. will be addressed in an experiential way. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of how the strategies presented can or cannot influence the SDH. Moderators will facilitate discussion around feasibility, transferability and challenges in routine care. A plenary session will allow groups to share insights and practical lessons.  5 min – Welcome and presentation of the topic  35 min – Small-group case study analysis and discussion  20 min – Plenary feedback, shared discussion and exchange of experiencesParticipants will leave with concrete examples, practical ideas and increased confidence to understand the application of social determinants within their own practice settings, despite time and organizwithin their own practice settings, despite time and organizational constraints.Addressing social determinants of health is an essential component of primary care. By drawing on experiences from France, Spain, Begium and Quebec, this workshop aims to translate principles into action and support GPs in delivering more equitable, socially, socially responsive care across Europe.