Social prescribing in very deprived areas

Social and medical problems are often not differentiated by patients who look to GP practices for help. Many patients present with concerns that arise from their social situation, and the management of long-term medical conditions is often affected by personal circumstances. Doctors need to be able to respond to this wider picture. Indeed, the extent to which doctors are able and willing to take into account their patients' daily lives and concerns is seen as a key element of good quality medical care by patients who live in socially deprived areas. 1 Many GPs develop some knowledge about resources outside of the health service that can assist patients; for example, with financial problems, domestic violence, or housing issues. Some GP practices also work with outside groups to promote or plan local resources. This practice of signposting patients to nonhealth service resources has been labelled 'social prescribing'.