Exploring the Context for Social Prescription in the Hamilton and Halton Region

Life circumstances that influence people’s health (e.g. education, employment, housing, and social support) are called social determinants of health (SDoH). Interest in improving SDoH is growing as chronic diseases become more prevalent. Social Prescription (SP) is a model from the United Kingdom where a health care provider “prescribes” social or community programs that increase a person’s sense of community connectedness, encourage exercise programs, employment counselling, or other beneficial services. In this research, the intern will work with the United Way of Hamilton and Halton (UWHH) to review published literature to better understand the concept of social prescribing, the objectives of different SP models and how they have evolved over time. Based on the findings, a typology of different SP models will be created to link model objectives with model components in practice. UWHH and community partners will use the typology to develop SP models that align with community objectives.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gillian Mulvale

Student:

Partner:

United Way Halton and Hamilton

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other services (except public administration)

University:

McMaster University

Program: