A Multidimensional Social Inquiry into the Loneliness Problem: Urbanization, Technological Mediation, and Neoliberal Individualism

Loneliness is a compelling, complex, and multifaceted social issue of the times, which cannot be reduced to a personal trouble writ large. Loneliness is not one thing. There is a need for a broad and multidimensional social approach to loneliness—even broader than a public health approach—that could take up the problem of loneliness as a complex phenomenon.

Establishing internationally accepted conceptual and operational definitions of social prescribing through expert consensus: a Delphi study

Abstract

Objective 

The aim of this study was to establish internationally accepted conceptual and operational definitions of social prescribing.

Design 

A three-round Delphi study was conducted.

Setting 

This study was conducted virtually using an online survey platform.

Prescribing Better "Pills" to Swallow

This report was featured in the 2023 Family Medicine Report from the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Alongside some of the major findings of the Alliance's Rx:Community Social Prescribing pilot, and it tells the powerful story of Nafisa and her daughter, two participants in Rexdale CHC's Social Prescribing program. Shortly after they came to Canada as asylum seekers, Nafisa experienced complex health challenges.

Big ideas: Top 4 proposals presented at Family Medicine Forum 2022

The Big Ideas Soapbox at Family Medicine Forum (FMF) showcases concepts that could make a difference to clinical practice, faculty development, postgraduate or undergraduate education, patient care and outcomes, or health policy. This session offers a platform for innovators to share fresh ideas, innovative thinking, and fledgling developments with the potential to initiate change. Proposals are selected for presentation at FMF based on reviewers’ scores, and the innovators are invited to the Big Ideas Soapbox session to present and defend their ideas.

Using Self-Determination theory to understand the social prescribing process: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Social prescribing assists patients to engage insocial activities and connect to community supports as part of a holistic approach to primary care. Rx: Community was a social prescribing project, implemented within 11 community health centres situated across Ontario, Canada.

Aims: To explore how social prescribing as a process facilitates positive outcomes for patients.