Social prescribing needs and priorities of older adults in Canada: a qualitative analysis.

Introduction: Social prescribing (SP) is a holistic and collaborative approach to help individuals access community-based supports and services for their nonmedical social needs. The aim of this study was to assess the needs and priorities of Canadian older adults (aged 55 years and older), with a focus on optimizing SP programs for those who are systemically disadvantaged and socially marginalized.

Methods: Semistructured focus groups (N = 10 groups, 43 participants) were conducted online via Zoom with participants from across Canada.

A Qualitative Study of National Perspectives on Advancing Social Prescribing Using Co-Design in Canada.

Introduction: Social prescribing offers a formal pathway of connecting patients in the health system with sources of support within the community to help improve their health and well-being. Since its launch in March 2022, the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing has acted as a collective impact network to identify, connect and build upon established social prescribing initiatives using a co-design methodology. The institute received input from a participant advisory council, co-design partners and several communities of interest groups.

PROTOCOL: Effects of social prescribing for older adults: An evidence and gap map.

Objectives This is the protocol for an evidence and gap map. The objectives are as follows: The aim of this evidence and gap map is to map the available evidence on the effectiveness of social prescribing interventions addressing a non-medical, health-related social need for older adults in any setting. Specific objectives are as follows: 1.

A comparison of social prescribing approaches across twelve high-income countries.

Background: Social prescribing connects patients with community resources to improve their health and well-being. It is gaining momentum globally due to its potential for addressing non-medical causes of illness while building on existing resources and enhancing overall health at a relatively low cost. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the need for policy interventions to address health-related social issues such as loneliness and isolation.