Bridging Health and Social Care: Dr. Ganisher Davlyatov’s Groundbreaking Study on FQHCs and Social Determinants

Dr. Ganisher Davlyatov, assistant professor of health administration and policy at the OU Hudson College of Public Health, has recently made waves with his new research highlighting the indispensable role of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in addressing social determinants of health. In an extensive study analyzing data from over 1,300 FQHCs nationwide, Dr. Davlyatov and his team revealed that centers that actively screen for social risk factors—such as housing instability and food insecurity—report noticeably better health outcomes for their patients.

His research underscores the critical importance of integrating social care into primary healthcare, especially for underserved communities that often face multiple barriers to wellness. By addressing the root causes of health disparities, these centers play a vital role in improving overall well-being. "This study demonstrates that FQHCs aren’t just healthcare providers—they’re community advocates, working to tackle the broader social factors that influence patient health," Dr. Davlyatov noted.

This innovative work places a spotlight on the future of healthcare, where addressing social risk factors could be the key to better outcomes across vulnerable populations. Dr. Davlyatov’s research offers a pathway for FQHCs to enhance their role as both healthcare providers and community lifelines.

You can read the full paper in the Journal of Ambulatory Care Management at https://journals.lww.com/ambulatorycaremanagement/abstract/2024/07000/federally_qualified_health_centers__screening_for.2.aspx