Research Library

Health care providers now screen patients for social determinants of health, also known as non-medical drivers of health, and many rely on referrals to community-based organizations (CBOs) to address those needs. Strengthening CBOs and enhancing collaboration with health care organizations is essential. In a new brief, nonresident fellow Dr. Sheela Gavvala and co-authors offer policy recommendations to close the loop and ensure patients receive the care they need within a cohesive system.

The prices of U.S. hospital services have surged exponentially over the last two decades, outpacing inflation and rates of other medical services. A new report by Derek Jenkins, Sasathorn Tapaneeyakul, and Vivian Ho unpacks whether rising operational costs justify increased prices or if hospital profits are driving this price escalation.

Each firearm injury statistic represents a person with a unique story. By empowering young people to advocate for new legislation and encouraging gun owners to use secure storage community members can better engage in firearm injury prevention. This new brief from the Center for Health and Biosciences offers more insights and policy recommendations.

Treatment advances over the past decade offer new medications and procedures to combat the growing problem of childhood obesity. In a new brief, nonresident fellow Dr. Sheela Gavvala and coauthors provide policy options and recommendations to encourage evolution in the state’s approach to this important health issue, ensuring a healthier and more prosperous future for all Texans.

Texas abortion bans lack specific guidelines for physicians to follow when providing reproductive care, especially in miscarriage cases. Thus, health care providers are forced to weigh legal consequences before patients’ safety. In a paper by researchers from the Center for Health and Biosciences and Rice University students, authors outline the large-scale implications of Texas policy on access to miscarriage care and recommend policy actions to ensure the protections of physicians and patients.

Addressing non-medical drivers of health (NMDOH) is crucial to improving health outcomes and containing health care costs. A brief by Jacquie Klotz, Charles W. Mathias, and Elena M. Marks reports findings from policy crowdsourcing workshops. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers joined the Texas NMDOH Consortium to collaborate on identifying NMDOH policy opportunities in Texas. In the Fall of 2024, the Texas NMDOH Consortium will publish policy recommendations to elaborate on opportunities to advance the integration of non-medical interventions into the health care system.

A survey of Houston area high school students finds the highest levels of depression occur among older students and transgender youth. This issue brief from the Child Health Policy Program explains how demographic factors affect survey outcomes, noting that school absenteeism and behavioral issues are also associated with students’ poor mental health.

The American food supply chain is at risk due to increased farmworker shortages. This new brief explains the issues and suggests policy options to meet the needs of, and for, these vital workers.

Non-medical drivers of health, also known as social determinants of health, have a significant impact on health outcomes. As fellow Sandra McKay and her co-authors explain, adequate funding to identify and address non-medical drivers — housing and food insecurity, transport issues, and financial strain — can improve patients’ health and health care delivery systems, while also reducing costs.