Social prescribing: when a doctor "prescribes" community
Social ConnectionKey points
- A clinician refers the patient to community activities.
- It suits loneliness, mild depression and chronic conditions.
- It is widely used in the UK and growing in U.S. health systems.
- Evidence for program effectiveness is still accumulating.
What it is
In social prescribing, clinicians refer patients to a “link worker” who helps them connect with nonmedical community support: walking groups, arts programs, gardening, volunteering, financial or housing advice. The UK’s National Health Service has made it part of routine care.
An editorial in The BMJ described social prescribing as a promising response to the social causes of ill health but warned that it should be properly evaluated (Drinkwater et al., 2019).
Why the idea makes sense
Strong social relationships are linked to about 50% higher odds of survival (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010), and volunteering is linked to better mental health and lower mortality (Jenkinson et al., 2013).
“Prescribe” community for yourself
- A walking group or park program.
- A choir, art class or book club.
- A community garden.
- Volunteering with a local organization.
- A senior center or faith community.
Frequently asked questions
Is social prescribing available in the U.S.?
Some U.S. health systems, Area Agencies on Aging and community health worker programs offer similar referrals, and arts and parks "prescriptions" are growing.
Can I do this on my own?
Yes. Look for local walking groups, community gardens, libraries, senior centers and volunteer opportunities.
Sources
- Drinkwater et al. (2019). Social prescribing. BMJ :l1285. doi:10.1136/bmj.l1285
- Holt-Lunstad et al. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLoS Medicine 7(7):e1000316. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
- Jenkinson et al. (2013). Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health 13(1). doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-773
Keep reading
Losing a partner: how to support yourself and others after widowhood
What a meta-analysis found about widowhood and mortality, why the first months are especially risky and how family and friends can help.
Social ConnectionPositive childhood experiences: how they protect adult mental health
What a study of 6,000 adults found about positive childhood experiences, depression and relationships, and what parents and other adults can do.
Social ConnectionArguments and health: how hostile conflict slows wound healing
What a famous experiment with married couples found about hostile arguments and wound healing, and why the way you argue matters for health.
Related topics from other pillars
Stress Music and stress: what meta-analyses show
What a meta-analysis of more than 100 studies found about music, psychological stress, heart rate and cortisol, and how to use music to unwind.
StressSocial support as a buffer against stress
What the classic stress-buffering hypothesis says, how perceived support protects health and why asking for help is a skill.
Social Connection tools
Three-item loneliness scale (UCLA-3)
Three questions used in major U.S. studies of loneliness.
QuizDe Jong Gierveld loneliness scale (6 items)
Measures emotional and social loneliness.
QuizOslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3)
Three questions about who you can count on.
PDF · WorksheetMy connections map
A worksheet for mapping your social network and planning contact.
PDF · Tracker"One get-together a week" tracker
A monthly tracker of social contact.
PDF · CardsFamily dinner conversation cards
24 questions for phone-free conversation at the table.