Social prescribing is an approach in which healthcare professionals refer citizens with social challenges to meaningful communities in civil society. For example, a general practitioner may refer a person to a link worker - a connector who helps identify relevant activities in the local area, such as cultural offerings, community cooking groups, knitting clubs, or association-based activities. Social prescribing supports a more holistic social and healthcare effort and has the potential to promote greater social equality in health.
The concept is internationally recognized and has been implemented in many countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends social prescribing as part of the future of primary healthcare. Social prescribing has shown positive results in places such as England, where it is now an integrated part of the British healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS). It is also gaining ground in several European countries - including Denmark.
The LINK research group studies how a Danish model for social prescribing can best be developed, evaluated, and implemented in a Danish context, and integrated into collaboration between the healthcare system and civil society. We do this by systematically collecting knowledge from Denmark and abroad, as well as by generating new knowledge through practice-oriented research in Denmark.
Social prescribing holds significant potential. However, achieving lasting and sustainable impact in Denmark requires a coordinated and systematic research effort. For this reason, together with researchers from Aalborg University, the University of Southern Denmark, Hvidovre Hospital, and others, we have established CONNECT - a national network that brings together expertise, connects practice and research, generates evidence-based knowledge that can be used by decision-makers, and contributes to the development of competencies and capacity-building among actors in the field.
Please feel free to reach out to the LINK research group - we would be happy to collaborate.
The LINK research group is part of Denmark’s national research network for social prescribing: CONNECT.
CONNECT brings together researchers and local initiatives across the country to generate knowledge about what works - for whom, when, and how. The activities build on existing initiatives in municipalities, volunteer centres, sports organizations, and general practice.
A sustainable national model requires both qualitative and quantitative research methods. These help ensure that the initiatives have documented effects, are firmly anchored, and are developed through close interaction between research and practice.
Visit the CONNECT website here.
