Social prescription in the US: A pilot evaluation of Mass Cultural Council's “CultureRx”

Abstract

IntroductionAs the field of public health strives to address the impacts of social determinants of health, it has seen increasing interest in community-referral practices that expand health care beyond clinical spaces. However, community arts and culture organizations are rarely included in these practices, despite accumulating evidence of associated health benefits. In addition, such inclusion has not been formally studied. In response, this article offers an evaluation of “CultureRx” in Massachusetts (MA): the first US model of arts on prescription. The program is a partnership between 20 healthcare providers and 12 cultural organizations, in which providers can offer “prescriptions” to cultural experiences to support patients' health.MethodsEvaluation was undertaken to illuminate participant experiences, program successes and barriers, and recommendations for further development. The cultural organizations collected participant data (n = 84) and completed surveys about their own experiences (n = 12). Authors conducted semi-structured focus groups and interviews with healthcare providers (n = 33). Data analysis was customized for each dataset.ResultsFindings indicate that participants enjoyed and hoped to repeat their prescribed experiences, which they saw as beneficial to wellbeing. Providers identified the program as a new and critical addition to their toolkits; they also indicated it had a positive effect on their own wellbeing. Cultural organizations reported varied challenges, learnings, and recommendations.ConclusionThe CultureRx pilot suggests that integrating arts/culture assets into health and social care approaches can enrich and improve traditional US models of community referral. By including arts/culture resources when addressing social determinants of health, communities will be better positioned to equitably and holistically advance health.

Arts Engagement as a Health Behavior: An Opportunity to Address Mental Health Inequities

“…55,60,61 Social prescribing is a component of the national health system in the U.K.; 55 in the U.S., pilot studies are exploring feasible mechanisms for implementing social prescribing, exemplified through the CultureRx Initiative. 59 Policies supporting arts engagement can advance mental health policy and advocacy efforts. 62,63 As indicated by a scoping review led by Sonke et al, 64 art advances mental health education and advocacy by creating innovative forms of health communication which increase public awareness.…”

“…As indicated by CultureRx's evaluation data, providers are "excited about" and "recommend [the] expansion" of social prescribing; they see it as promoting overall wellbeing and improved health outcomes through a focus on increasing equitable access to upstream determinants of health (p.32). 59,[80][81][82][83]…”

Arts and Culture: A Necessary Component to Address Unmet Social Needs and Advance Individual and Community Well-Being

“…Formally developed in the 1980s, social prescription is a model in which healthcare providers prescribe community-based services for non-clinical and subclinical needs. 13 Notably, social prescription has traditionally included arts, culture, and nature resources among the standard community-based resources and experiences from which patients can benefit.…”

“…Findings from a pilot evaluation indicate overwhelmingly positive responses from participants, and suggest that the program additionally supports providers' well-being by increasing their enjoyment and sense of efficacy regarding the care they are able to offer. 13…”

“…Findings from a pilot evaluation indicate overwhelmingly positive responses from participants, and suggest that the program additionally supports providers' well-being by increasing their enjoyment and sense of efficacy regarding the care they are able to offer. 13 A second model, Creative Forces (CF), was launched in 2011 as a partnership between the Department of Defense and the National Endowment for the Arts. It aims to improve Veteran health via access to evidence-based arts practices.…”