Social prescribing has become a major issue for seniors, highlighted by GPs who have pushed for more social inclusion.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has called on the government and health providers to boost social prescribing in Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Social prescribing involves health professionals, including GPs, supporting patients to consider and take up non-medical activities to supplement other types of care and treatment, such as joining a community group or trying a new hobby.
The chair of the College’s Specific Interest Group for Social Prescribing, which commenced in 2022, and Kirra-based GP, Dr Kuljit Singh, said that social prescribing is beneficial for many patients.
“Many GPs across Australia are embracing this idea because it delivers positive health outcomes and helps people improve self-care,” she said.
“Key risks factors for poor health, including chronic illness and mental health issues, include social isolation, a lack of activity, and a lack of connection with others. One study found that lacking social connection is as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.”
Dr Singh said that social prescribing was valuable for many patients living in rural and remote areas, especially when demographic factors are at play. She said the College knew that communities outside of major cities have a higher percentage of older people, who can be more likely to experience social isolation. Studies have shown that factors such as geographic isolation, limited access to health and social services, and a lack of transport mean that rural older adults often lack social support and experience more loneliness. This results in them being at higher risk of health issues and more reliant on health services, which may be more limited than if they lived in a city.
“As a GP, I’ve seen many older patients experiencing isolation and the impact that this has on their health and sense of wellbeing. This is even more pronounced in aged care facilities, where I’ve seen some people staying in their own room for weeks or even months with minimal contact. So, I encourage health providers, including GPs to add social prescribing to their tool kit if they haven’t already,” said Dr Singh.
“GPs are well-placed to identify the best local social prescribing options, such as community groups and other resources, and they can even implement programs in their own clinic if they have the space, or start a virtual program. An example might be an online instructed activity such as yoga that people can do from their own homes.”
Dr Singh said that with greater support and collaboration, social prescribing could have an even larger impact.
“If we had a nationally coordinated approach, we could do even more to ease pressure on our entire healthcare system, including our hospitals, and help keep patients happy and healthy in their communities. This is a conversation we’re keen to continue having with government because whilst many GPs are doing a great job encouraging the take-up of social prescribing, a formal structure featuring links with GPs to other health professionals and community groups could accelerate social prescribing nation-wide.”
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