Social change: 93 percent recommend new healthcare offerings!

Social change: 93 percent recommend new healthcare offerings!

The innovative concept of social prescribing, which has been promoted by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health since 2021, is showing promising results. A recent evaluation of over 1,200 participants showed that 93 percent of those surveyed would recommend this program to others. Health Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) emphasizes that social prescribing particularly reaches people who are often overlooked in traditional health care. One in five medical consultations takes place without a medical reason, often motivated by loneliness, stress or financial concerns. In such cases, patients seek medical help without there being an acute health need. As part of social prescribing, they are given the opportunity to be referred to social services outside of traditional medicine.

An example illustrates the practical application: A 42-year-old woman who suffered from exhaustion and depression found help through this approach. Her complaints were not health-related, but rather resulted from financial worries and loneliness. Through social prescribing, she was able to take part in a cooking class and received support through debt counseling. Such positive feedback underlines the value of the program in meeting its goal of health and social integration.

interest and participation

In 2019, 15 institutions from six federal states in Austria were included in a funding call that provides up to 60,000 euros for projects. There is already a new funding call totaling 4.8 million euros for the coming years, which will support innovative measures to promote and implement social prescribing. Among other things, awareness-raising measures for health facilities and network management to integrate necessary support services are planned.

Over 85 percent of customers were successfully referred to appropriate social services, ranging from psychosocial counseling to social support services. This is proof of the effectiveness of the program and the positive impact on the quality of life of those affected. An official investigation also shows that 51.5 percent of these placements took place in primary care and 66.7 percent in pediatrics.

Outlook and further steps

Another funding call for the implementation of social prescribing, which will apply from 2026 to 2028, will open up many new opportunities. Health Austria GmbH (GÖG) is developing a uniform model for implementing social offers. Interested institutions can apply for funding until September 30, 2025. In addition to general practitioners, facilities that are available to uninsured people are also eligible to apply.

The next information events about the funding call are planned for June 30 and July 7, 2025. The aim is to raise public awareness of the benefits of social prescribing and to open up new paths and perspectives in life for a large number of people suffering from psychosocial stress. The program therefore represents an important step towards more humane and inclusive healthcare.

For detailed information on social prescribing and current funding opportunities, please visit the official pages of Kleine Zeitung, Primärbedarf and NÖN.