Social prescription (SP) is an emerging intervention that targets social determinants of health (SDOH) beyond biological factors. SP involves the referral of patients to community resources to enhance their social, mental, and physical well-being. Implemented in various countries, SP has shown effectiveness in improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
In Singapore, with its ageing population and rising healthcare costs, SP aligns with the Healthier SG initiative, focusing on preventive care. SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH) introduced a pilot SP program in 2019 to improve well-being of in elderly patients. Despite preliminary results that demonstrated improvements to patients’ well-being, there are challenges in SP implementation such as the need for more systematic approaches to enhance efficacy and evaluate outcomes.
This study used photovoice methodology to explore the challenges of SP implementation faced by SP practitioners to identify opportunities that would improve SP in different care settings, contributing to the promotion of preventive care for elderly patients in Singapore’s healthcare system.
_______________________________________________________________________________
We often visiting elderly who are staying alone , living in poverty or with very limited resource. They might have their own perspectives , refused to have social connection, befriender support or public assistance . They mess up their medical appointments and medicines , watching TV or lying on bed at home , take simple meals at hawker centre . Future is not promising at all . How can we do more for the vulnerable and self-isolated segments ? They usually have some chronic illnesses.
_______________________________________________________________________________
I’ve been working (hiding) behind a mask since I set foot in the healthcare sector – in June 2020 – when COVID-19 was still peaking. My job as a WBC also requires me to wear a bright orange shirt. As far as my patients are concerned, I’m ‘faceless’ and only identifiable by the distinctive orange. While the mask allows me to hide my feelings, emotions and hypocrisy (yes, hypocrisy), we are the ‘bright orange’ folks with an SP agenda that is still a mystery to most people. I am amazed how we are sometimes able to forge strong relationships with patients behind our masks without revealing our real faces. But truly, where’s my own identity behind the mask and in the bright orange? How will I learn to engage patients without mask (without a veil) in the future when I have to lay bare my feelings and emotions in front of the patients?
_______________________________________________________________________________
Convinced patients to try out doing these art pieces. However, to them, such activities were meaningless and useless to them.
_______________________________________________________________________________
My fear is becoming used to a particular way of doing my work that I may lack creativity. This will not benefit patients. Every individual is unique and needs different approach. Like a fish out of its comfort of the tank into the vast sea, I need to welcome new ways and upgrade skills to better serve the patients and hospital.
_______________________________________________________________________________
My nearest & ease of accessibility Active Ageing Centre is 1km away, based on supportgowhere apps. Accessible via train, point to point in 5 stations. I can be registered as member but has no priority over those residents within the boundary for activities that exceed the limits or outings.. Such a beautiful place with many activities, i hope my current place of stay will have such facilities soon.
_______________________________________________________________________________
My image is to illustrate when one elderly no matter how willing of his/her heart to go out of the house, the weakness of lower limbs or chronic knee pain will tend to be stopping him/her to from getting socialise in the community. Unless, there is a caregiver who is staying with the elderly and is willing to escort him/her to go out of the house. Sometimes, the elderly might think of not to burden his/her children, then decline to get out of house. And hence, separated from outside world and develop a sense of insecurity.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Helping seniors lead healthier, happier lives brings immense fulfillment. As a wellbeing coordinator, I see firsthand the joy and vitality that come from supporting their health journey. Every smile and story shared makes it all worthwhile.
_______________________________________________________________________________
This picture exudes a sense of community care and positivity. The bright, clean entrance to what appears to be a community health center or clinic is adorned with informative posters and a prominent “SG Clean” certification, which reassures visitors about the facility’s hygiene standards. The colorful “Be WELL with SingHealth” banner stands out, indicating a focus on promoting health and wellbeing. The entrance is inviting, suggesting a welcoming space for individuals seeking support, guidance, and healthcare services. The small details, such as the festive decoration above the door, add a touch of warmth and cultural connection, making the space feel more personable and community-oriented. Overall, this image evokes feelings of trust, safety, and support, embodying the essence of a caring community environment.
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
This used to be an old police station near Chinatown. It has since been taken under new management and shows potential for art and social activities to flourish.
_______________________________________________________________________________
stepping in the world of a hoarder was an eye opening experience. I witnessed collaborative efforts between community partners, all worked towards the same goal of improving quality of life for the residents.
_______________________________________________________________________________
As our role is relatively new, many people including healthcare professionals (e.g doctors) and our community partners do not know who we are and what we actually do. Unfortunately at this point, there are still many different practices across the cluster and this is not making our job easier. Hopefully once we are able to define our scope well and then show that we have our values especially in both health and social so we can support in the healthcare goal that healthier sg is set out to achieve.
_______________________________________________________________________________
The psychology, emotions ( grief and other emotions) are not parameters used by medical community.
_______________________________________________________________________________
So much could be inferred by looking at the feet of our clients. The illnesses or organs that are linked to such presenting symptom. The state that the condition has progressed could also tell us how the client is caring for himself and if he is managing well with his daily living.
_______________________________________________________________________________
We often have difficulty getting our clients to feel motivated to do things. However, with time and support and encourage from family, sometimes it helps to break through to client.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Close proximity between neighbours at HDB estates but relationship between neighbours might not be so close. Social isolation is 1 of the issues the aging population face.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Hawker centres don’t just offer food options, they are also spaces that facilitate conversations and socialisation between neighbours. With the closure of the market for 3 months, it is also equivalent to a loss of space for residents to socialise and catch up, especially for those with mobility issues, the risk of social isolation is definitely looming ahead.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Accessibility is a major part of everyone’s life; be it to get to places or to obtain services to go about one’s daily life. This photo speaks volumes of the importance of accessibility on Mr L’s life. Prior to receiving his motorised scooter and learning to use it, Mr L was confined to his home with minimal interaction with others due to his chronic illnesses. As a WBC who assisted Mr L through the process of obtaining the motorised scooter and learning to navigate in community with it, Mr L developed a new sense of confidence and was able to move around with ease. Mr L’s case is commonly seen in many older folks in Singapore where their mobility limits their access to services. As a WBC I am blessed to be able to be the link between them and obtaining such services to improve their quality of life.
_______________________________________________________________________________
imaginations 