Social isolation refers to limited social contact and interaction with others, resulting in feelings of loneliness and disconnection. It disproportionately affects the elderly due to factors like loss of friends and family, retirement, reduced mobility, ageism, and limited access to technology. The elderly are at higher risk of social isolation as they may experience a shrinking social circle and face barriers to social participation. Social isolation has significant detrimental effects on their mental and physical well-being, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Addressing social isolation among the elderly is crucial for promoting their overall health and happiness.
Social prescribing is a healthcare approach that recognises the importance of social factors in overall well-being. It involves connecting individuals with non-medical activities and community resources to improve their health and quality of life. Healthcare professionals, such as doctors or social workers, “prescribe” activities like art classes, gardening, exercise groups, or support groups, which can address underlying social determinants of health and promote holistic well-being. By addressing social isolation, mental health, and lifestyle factors, social prescribing aims to enhance individual health outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare services.
Social prescribing provides support in various areas of people’s lives, leading to increased confidence, improved navigation of systems, and enhanced friendships and trust in healthcare, while communities should be designed in an age-friendly way to prevent isolation.
In Part 1 of the Models of Care on Social Prescribing, Australian Health Journal spoke to 4 people advocating for social prescribing in Australia:
- Dr Michelle Lim, Scientific Chair and Chairperson, Ending Loneliness Together
- Patricia Sparrow, Chief Executive Officer, COTA Australia
- Dr Paresh Dawda, General Practitioner, Director and Principal, Next Practice Deakin. All well as being a UK GP
- Tracey Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, Inala Primary Care
The discussions with these advocates emphasise social prescribing is a necessary solution to address isolation, loneliness, and stress, but it requires more resources, funding, and support to make it accessible and affordable for individuals, particularly older Australians.
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Calls for National Social Prescribing Scheme
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) and Mental Health Australia are urging the government to implement a national social prescribing scheme to tackle Australia’s mental health and wellbeing crisis.
Mental ill health is a growing problem in Australia and has been made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2017, GPs across Australia have rated mental health as the most common presentation they see as part of the RACGP’s annual Health of the Nation survey. Approximately 20% of patients consult their GP for what are primarily social problems.
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Alfred Hospital leading in pharmacy services for critically unwell patients
Cristina Roman, is the Lead Pharmacist at Alfred Emergency Trauma Centre. In her 12 years working in the Emergency Department, Cristina has established pharmacy services, and filled gaps in patient care with new models of care.
One of those models of care adopted by the US and other countries, is involving pharmacists for critically unwell patients that present to the emergency department.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Cristina Roman and Lisa Bremner, Advanced Training Resident Pharmacist at Alfred Hospital Emergency Trauma Centre.
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Stronger patient involvement in new medicines
New strategic agreement between Medicines Industry and Government means stronger patient involvement in new medicines.
Medicines Australia has secured a 5-year Strategic Agreement with the Federal Government, centered on earlier patient involvement and influence in the availability of new medicines in Australia.
