Linking social prescribing and Lifestyle Redesign(®): A step toward health and equity?

Background: Presented as a response to unmet social needs and a way toward a more equitable, sustainable, and healthier society, social prescribing (SP) is gaining international attention. However, it also faces challenges and criticisms, particularly regarding its evidence base, implementation processes, and relevance across diverse contexts. To date, little is known about its compatibility with preventive occupational therapy, notably with Lifestyle Redesign (LR), a landmark intervention that shares similarities with SP. 

Purpose: To synthesize knowledge about SP, its areas of compatibility and tension, as well as its linkages with LR. Key issues. While evidence regarding SP is conflicting, a critical examination of its connection with LR could help better meet the complex and evolving needs of older adults, especially those facing structural or social marginalization. Given their affinities, SP and LR present several promising points of integration, including: (1) offering LR within social prescription, (2) assigning a dedicated SP navigator to LR, and (3) positioning occupational therapists as SP navigators. 

Implications: Linking social prescribing and LR could contribute to tackling global public health priorities such as loneliness, social isolation, and chronic diseases, while advancing knowledge and practices that empower occupational therapists to address social determinants of health.