Social Prescriptions: How Healthcare & Social Work Ease Patient Burdens

A novel approach to healthcare is emerging, one that recognizes the powerful connection between social well-being and physical health. This initiative, utilizing what are termed “Social Prescriptions,” is being piloted in select healthcare settings to address patient needs that extend beyond traditional medical treatment.

Addressing Complex Needs

These “Social Prescriptions” are primarily intended for patients where medical intervention alone isn’t yielding improvements, such as those experiencing long-term effects from COVID-19 or chronic pain. The goal is to supplement the healing process with targeted social support.

One example involves a 40-year-old woman suffering from a severe fatigue syndrome following a COVID-19 infection. Her illness led to the dissolution of her partnership. While her former partner continues to support her and their child, he has had to reduce his working hours. Through a “Social Prescription,” doctors connected her with a social worker who helped resolve financial issues between the former couple.

In another case, a 60-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis was caring for his father, who had Parkinson’s disease and refused other forms of care. Again, a “Social Prescription” led to the involvement of a social worker.

A Multifaceted Approach

Currently, these “Social Prescriptions” are being offered in five outpatient clinics: the Memory Clinic for brain diseases, the Long-Covid outpatient clinic, the Rheumatology outpatient clinic, the Obesity Center, and the Dermatology department at Europaallee. Physicians refer patients to “Link Workers” who then coordinate appropriate resources.

Did You Know? In July 2025, this project began following the approval of 2.5 million Franken in funding by the city parliament in 2024.

Initial data indicates a disproportionate number of “Social Prescriptions” have been issued to women. Over 160 prescriptions have been written, focusing on social stressors directly impacting health, such as debt or unstable housing.

Expert Insight: Recognizing the social determinants of health – the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age – is a critical step toward more holistic and effective healthcare. This pilot program demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing these factors, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced strain on traditional medical resources.

The city has expressed satisfaction with the results of the first six months of the pilot program. It is possible that the program could be expanded to include additional clinics or patient populations. Analysts expect further evaluation will be needed to determine the long-term impact of this approach. A possible next step could involve tracking patient health outcomes alongside social support interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “Social Prescription”?

A “Social Prescription” connects patients with social workers to address non-medical factors impacting their health, such as financial strain or housing issues.

Who is eligible for a “Social Prescription”?

These prescriptions are primarily for patients where medical treatment alone isn’t enough, including those with Long-Covid or chronic pain.

Where are these “Social Prescriptions” currently available?

They are currently offered in five outpatient clinics: the Memory Clinic, the Long-Covid outpatient clinic, the Rheumatology outpatient clinic, the Obesity Center, and the Dermatology department at Europaallee.

How might addressing social factors influence a patient’s overall health journey?