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In an innovative approach to mental health care, social prescribing is emerging as a crucial strategy for suicide prevention, aiming to address the broader social, environmental, and economic factors that impact health and well-being. This novel form of prescribing recognizes that addressing health challenges requires more than clinical care alone and acknowledges the limitations of health professionals in tackling all aspects of patients’ lives.
Social prescribing enables health professionals to refer patients to community-based services that address practical or social needs contributing to poor health. This approach not only broadens the range of care options available at the primary care level but also integrates non-clinical services into the management of health, aligning with the concept that social determinants of health are integral to overall well-being.
Globally, social prescribing models have been developed and implemented in various countries, including the U.K., Europe, the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Asia, and Australia. In Australia, a growing number of practice-based programs are emerging across several states. Notably, a trial in Victoria aims to support mental health, particularly for older adults, following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
A 2019 roundtable hosted by the Consumers Health Forum and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) highlighted the need for incorporating social prescribing into health system planning and service delivery strategies. Australian social prescribing programs often include referrals for physical activity, allied health services, community groups, and initiatives addressing social determinants of health.
Recent research, published in Frontiers in Public Health, reviewed 3,063 articles to explore the effectiveness of social prescribing in suicide prevention. After a thorough screening process, 13 articles were included in the final review. The findings underscore the critical role of social capital and trust within vulnerable populations and emphasize the importance of community-based referrals in suicide prevention.
Key insights from the review suggest that enhanced monitoring and support for individuals at risk of suicide are essential. Warm referrals and sustained connections between patients and community services are identified as key factors in improving the effectiveness of social prescribing initiatives.
Overall, the review highlights social prescribing as a promising tool in mitigating suicide risk factors and promoting mental health and well-being across diverse populations. For more detailed insights, refer to the study by Sarah Dash et al., “Social prescribing for suicide prevention: a rapid review,” published in Frontiers in Public Health (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1396614.
