British doctors will soon be writing prescriptions for art, music and dance lessons.
As a result of an ambitious initiative by British Health Secretary Matt Hancock, doctors in England may soon all be issuing prescriptions for therapeutic classes based on different hobbies to treat dementia, psychosis, lung and various mental illnesses. Kat Lay explains in the Times that this unusual strategy, which the UK government calls "social prescribing", could direct patients to sign up for various dance and singing classes or enjoy a personal playlist.
"So far, we have been supporting a society that prescribes drugs lightly, when we should be doing more preventive work," Hancock told the King's Fund health think tank. "Social prescribing will help us to compete with overuse of medicines."
The medical benefits of practising different arts are very good. Stroke patients living in Hull, England, were encouraged by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to play a variety of musical instruments and later found that as much as 90% of them showed signs of improvement in their physical and mental health. In Lambeth, dance classes have increased concentration and communication skills in patients with early psychosis symptoms. In Gloucestershire, hospitals have begun to recommend singing lessons for patients with lung disease.
A similar campaign has already been launched in Canada. From 1 November, all members of the medical association Médecins francophones du Canada (MdFC) will be able to give away free admission to fifty patients, some of their friends and family, and a carer to Quebec's Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where tickets normally cost up to $20 Canadian (a little over €13 converted). MdFC Vice President Héléne Boyer explained that the idea is based on research that shows that a visit to a museum increases serotonin (or happiness hormone) levels and quickly leads to a better feeling.
Compared to Canadian and UK projects, the UK's is more comprehensive. Rather than simply writing a prescription for a single visit to a museum, the British campaign includes a range of social activities, such as cookery and gardening classes and bingo games, as well as more cultural events, such as visits to libraries and concerts.
Paul Farmer, executive director of the health charity Mind, points out in a BBC News report that the fundamental problem with all this is the consistent model of local business funding. Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, adds that access is also a major barrier. "Our concern is that social prescription, which includes music, arts and also charity, is not available to people living in our society with a lower standard of living. If we really want to bring about change in the prevention and treatment of conditions, the government needs to find a way to make help available to all at risk."
Social prescribing is designed to complement traditional treatment, not replace it. Sally Copley of the Alzheimer's Society explains that music and art therapies need to work alongside medication and support groups, and the government needs to ensure that care is adequately funded. Social prescribing will be introduced across the UK by 2023.
In the arts magazine the Stage, Georgia Snow points out that the programmes are already working. In the north-west of England, there is a social prescription scheme specifically designed for new mothers and babies, and in Wales the National Health Service has started working with the National Arts Council.
"We should appreciate the arts more because it is important for our health and well-being," said Hancock. "Access to different arts improves people's mental and physical health. It makes us happier and healthier."
Social recipe
British doctors will soon be writing prescriptions for art, music and dance lessons.
As a result of an ambitious initiative by British Health Secretary Matt Hancock, doctors in England may soon all be issuing prescriptions for therapeutic classes based on different hobbies to treat dementia, psychosis, lung and various mental illnesses. Kat Lay explains in the Times that this unusual strategy, which the UK government calls "social prescribing", could direct patients to sign up for various dance and singing classes or enjoy a personal playlist.
"So far, we have been supporting a society that prescribes drugs lightly, when we should be doing more preventive work," Hancock told the King's Fund health think tank. "Social prescribing will help us to compete with overuse of medicines."
The medical benefits of practising different arts are very good. Stroke patients living in Hull, England, were encouraged by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to play a variety of musical instruments and later found that as much as 90% of them showed signs of improvement in their physical and mental health. In Lambeth, dance classes have increased concentration and communication skills in patients with early psychosis symptoms. In Gloucestershire, hospitals have begun to recommend singing lessons for patients with lung disease.
A similar campaign has already been launched in Canada. From 1 November, all members of the medical association Médecins francophones du Canada (MdFC) will be able to give away free admission to fifty patients, some of their friends and family, and a carer to Quebec's Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where tickets normally cost up to $20 Canadian (a little over €13 converted). MdFC Vice President Héléne Boyer explained that the idea is based on research that shows that a visit to a museum increases serotonin (or happiness hormone) levels and quickly leads to a better feeling.
Compared to Canadian and UK projects, the UK's is more comprehensive. Rather than simply writing a prescription for a single visit to a museum, the British campaign includes a range of social activities, such as cookery and gardening classes and bingo games, as well as more cultural events, such as visits to libraries and concerts.
Paul Farmer, executive director of the health charity Mind, points out in a BBC News report that the fundamental problem with all this is the consistent model of local business funding. Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, adds that access is also a major barrier. "Our concern is that social prescription, which includes music, arts and also charity, is not available to people living in our society with a lower standard of living. If we really want to bring about change in the prevention and treatment of conditions, the government needs to find a way to make help available to all at risk."
Social prescribing is designed to complement traditional treatment, not replace it. Sally Copley of the Alzheimer's Society explains that music and art therapies need to work alongside medication and support groups, and the government needs to ensure that care is adequately funded. Social prescribing will be introduced across the UK by 2023.
In the arts magazine the Stage, Georgia Snow points out that the programmes are already working. In the north-west of England, there is a social prescription scheme specifically designed for new mothers and babies, and in Wales the National Health Service has started working with the National Arts Council.
"We should appreciate the arts more because it is important for our health and well-being," said Hancock. "Access to different arts improves people's mental and physical health. It makes us happier and healthier."
Heidi Plumberg