Using Health Information to Address Social Drivers of Health

How Inova Health System Uses Data to Improve Patient Care and Community Health

Health outcomes are shaped not only by clinical care, but by the environments in which patients live, learn, and grow. At Inova Health System, Dr. Henna Qureshi and her collaborators are working together to integrate social drivers of health data into care planning and community engagement. By using questionnaires to capture information about food access, transportation challenges, and social connections, the team ensures that each patient’s care plan reflects their real-life circumstances.

The approach is more than just data collection; it’s about making information usable. With accurate, accessible data, Inova providers can identify trends, anticipate needs, and partner with community organizations to deliver targeted support where it matters most. This evidence-based collaboration helps close gaps in care, informs resource allocation, and empowers patients to feel seen and supported.

For health information professionals, this work highlights the power of data beyond the clinic. By combining clinical records with non-clinical insights, they are helping patients achieve better outcomes and building healthier communities. As Dr. Qureshi emphasizes, none of this progress would be possible without the expertise of HI teams who ensure data is collected, protected, and transformed into meaningful action.