What is Social Prescribing?
Through Social Prescribing, a Manitoba health care provider will refer a patient/client to a Senior Resource Coordinator who will work with the client to jointly identify and consider community-based programs or services that can improve the client's social connections, health and well-being.
Social Prescribing is a Global movement with initiatives in over 20 countries. Social Prescribing can take various forms, but all involve connecting a patient, based on their individual needs, to resources in their community. These may include social inclusion initiatives, physical activities, opportunities for creative self-expression, mental health support, and financial and housing advice.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. The Social Determinants of Health recognize that a broad range of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors determine individual and population health. By addressing these factors, Social Prescribing promotes integrated, community-based care, and reduces medical interventions, tackling the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms.
"Social participation is an important paradigm shift in global health that offers great potential for meeting the health needs of people, in particular those who are in vulnerable or marginalized situations."
- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-GeneralWhat is the Issue?
People are healthier when they are connected to resources and supports in their communities. To provide comprehensive care, these supports must address not only physical health, but social and structural factors that influence well-being, such as loneliness, inadequate income or housing, food insecurity, or a need for creativity, movement, or community connection.
Investments in prevention and holistic care, such as Social Prescribing, help bridge the gap between what is needed and what is available, proactively promoting individual and community health and reducing the burden on the health care system.
Social prescribing is already making a difference in communities across Canada, strengthening connections between individuals, community, and the formal health system. It makes good sense that people are healthier when they have access to person-centred navigation support. And communities are healthier places when health and care systems are seamlessly connected and collaborate to address the social determinants of health.
"As a public health physician, my work involves addressing the overall health and wellbeing of older adults. Social prescribing connects individuals to community resources that improve their quality of life, reduce isolation, and enhance their health outcomes. This approach is especially important for our aging population, and it has the potential to reduce strain on our healthcare system while supporting seniors in living healthier, more fulfilling lives."
- Dr. Michael Routledge, Medical Advisor, Manitoba Association of Senior CommunitiesImpacts and Outcomes
Social Prescribing can play a transformative role in addressing the social determinants of health, reducing healthcare costs, and improving quality of life across diverse populations. We know Social Prescribing works — successful projects across Canada and internationally confirms its impact. The Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing engaged KPMG LLP to assess impacts of Social Prescribing in Canada (1). Findings demonstrate that:
Every dollar invested into social prescribing programs may return $4.43 to society through improved wellbeing and reduced costs incurred on the health system and government.
Social prescribing leads to better health outcomes for two key populations in Canada - older adults and youth - improving overall wellbeing with significant reductions in healthcare utilization.
Supporting aging adults: Social prescribing supports aging at home, and can lead to fewer hospital admissions, emergency visits, and ambulance calls resulting in improved quality of life and $268 million per year in healthcare cost savings.
Enhancing youth wellbeing: Social prescribing can support the mental health of young people, improve education attainment, and result in an additional $59 million in employment income per year.
Tackling Loneliness and Isolation: Across age groups, social prescribing can foster meaningful social connections and sense of community, improve mental health, and support physical health.
Chronic conditions and the social determinants of health: Social prescribing can especially benefit those with long-term health conditions, those who require mental health support, assistance with food and nutrition, help with financial or legal issues, and those who require assistance with home-based services.