Social prescribing is a framework and process for linking patients to non-medical sources of support within the community. It involves creating infrastructure and pathways that empower individuals to make new choices, addressing the wider social determinants of health. Clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, and related agencies identify non-medical interventions that can help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles, self-manage conditions, and improve the wider social aspects of their lives. This approach is not a one-size-fits-all solution nor a replacement for medical care but complements traditional healthcare by providing holistic support tailored to individual needs, preferences, and goals.
Around one in five GP visits are for non-medical problems such as loneliness, money issues, housing, education, or employment status. Many aspects that affect our health cannot be treated by doctors or medicine alone. Social prescribing works in partnership with healthcare professionals, known as social prescribing link workers, to identify non-medical solutions. It connects people to community activities, groups, and services that support their practical, social, and emotional needs. Link workers take the time to talk about what matters to the individual, producing a personalized care and support plan and linking them to relevant organizations and services.
Massachusetts recently made headlines by introducing the nation’s first statewide arts prescription solution in collaboration with Art Pharmacy and the Mass Cultural Council. This innovative healthcare program allows healthcare providers to prescribe arts and culture participation to individuals with a range of health concerns. The launch signifies a monumental shift in recognizing the arts as a legitimate healthcare solution, aiming to improve both physical and mental health outcomes.
The Massachusetts initiative, developed under the CultureRx program, is supported by Mass General Brigham. This partnership aims to use the novel social prescribing model to address specific health issues such as blood pressure control, particularly in underserved communities. Governor Maura Healey lauded the initiative, emphasizing the transformative potential of integrating the arts into healthcare. Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council, and Anne Klibanski, MD, President and CEO of Mass General Brigham, also highlighted the initiative’s potential to drive down healthcare costs and create new revenue streams for cultural organizations.
The roots of this groundbreaking program trace back to 2020 when the Mass Cultural Council launched the CultureRx Initiative. This pilot introduced the practice of arts prescription in Massachusetts, and over three years, received positive reviews from health providers, cultural organizations, and patients. The success of the pilot spurred the need to scale the program statewide. Art Pharmacy, based in Georgia, was identified as the ideal partner to build a network of arts and culture organizations, recruit additional institutional stakeholders, and establish sustainable relationships with health systems and health plans.
The program is designed to address a variety of health issues. Arts-based social prescribing is particularly effective in supporting patients with mental health needs, reducing social isolation and loneliness, and promoting adherence to co-morbid treatment plans. By integrating arts into the healthcare system, Massachusetts aims to provide a holistic approach to health and wellness that transcends traditional medical treatments.
Anne Klibanski emphasized that this model would be particularly focused on primary care sites where patients are at the highest risk, addressing long-standing disparities in health outcomes in underserved communities. The initiative aligns with Mass General Brigham’s clinical equity efforts and commitment to a personalized, quality experience for every patient.
The launch of the statewide arts prescription solution represents a significant advancement in healthcare innovation. By addressing mental health needs, reducing social isolation, and promoting adherence to co-morbid treatment plans, this program offers a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. It is expected to positively affect the healthcare landscape in Massachusetts by providing innovative, accessible, and effective interventions for various health issues. This initiative not only enhances patient well-being but also supports vulnerable communities and promotes the value of arts participation in improving overall health.
The integration of arts into healthcare through social prescribing marks a new era in medical practice. Massachusetts’ pioneering effort sets a precedent for other states to follow, potentially transforming the way healthcare is delivered across the country. By recognizing and harnessing the healing power of the arts, Massachusetts is leading the way in creating a more holistic, inclusive, and effective healthcare system.