At Tel Aviv Doctor we always make it a point to look for remedies beyond prescriptions, encouraging behavior supporting patients’ health and well being. Recently we became aware of the term ‘Social Prescribing’ which has gained attention and traction in European countries.
What does ‘Social Prescribing’ stand for?
Social Prescribing allows Primary Care Providers to refer patients to specialised group programs to partake in social activities either in lieu of, or in conjunction with pharmaceutical medications. Examples of such activities include; Gardening, dance, art, cooking, volunteering and various sports.
It has been found to be used to support patients experiencing mild anxiety, low mood or social isolation — research is promising but the current evidence is mixed. Providing a platform for patients to join in with social, holistic & therapeutic groups has been shown to help people feel less lonely and more socially connected (controlled evidence on loneliness outcomes is still limited), and to improve mood and better ones overall emotional health status.
Reducing Medication, Preventing Illnesses, Managing Pain
Social Prescribing can also be used for management/prevention of illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes by supporting lifestyle change (direct effects on blood sugar or cholesterol are not yet established), and can be used as a form of pain management. This is due to the physical exercise component and general promotion of a healthier lifestyle which Social Prescribing is based on.
Social prescribing can broaden the range of support available alongside — rather than instead of — medical treatment, which in some cases can be used ‘a quick fix’ treatment method that doesn’t address the core root a of patient’s condition.
Our Philosophy Of Care At Tel Aviv Doctor
Tel Aviv Doctor has extremely low prescribing rates, which we achieve by working purposefully to find non pharmacological/non chemical treatments wherever possible (read more: Our Philosophy Of Care). Such treatments include advice on diet management, physical activity and Intravenous Vitamin Therapy.
