WHEN doctors reach for their prescription pad,most patients expect to get a jar of pills or a bottle of ointment. Few think they will be referred to a gym or a volunteering scheme. But more and more doctors are dishing out these “social” prescriptions—and some even think the idea could relieve pressure on the National Health Service.
Social-prescribing schemes, in which doctors refer patients to non-medical treatments, and are catching on,says Marie Polley, co-chair of the Social Prescribing Network of health workers and academics. That is partly due to recognition that some long-term conditions, or such as diabetes,can improve with lifestyle changes. final year Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, and included the idea in his health draw for the capital. A recent count found that London already had over 50 schemes. All general practitioners (GPs) in Gloucestershire can now refer patients to a social-prescribing service.
One common prescription is for more exercise. In the East Riding of...
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Source: economist.com