Social prescribing in Sweden - a person-centred model to reduce loneliness, improve health and well-being among community dwelling older adults

Loneliness is a barrier for healthy ageing and has significant harmful effects on health.The aim of the study is to evaluate experiences and the effect of Social prescribing in Sweden (SPiS) regarding loneliness, health, wellbeing, and care consumption among older adults (≥65) in Sweden.

The study will be carried out in two phases and the research questions that will be addressed are:Feasibility study (Phase I)RQ1: Is the SPiS model feasible with regards to recruitment, retainment and satisfaction among participants and experiences among professionals?Large-scale RCT (Phase II)RQ2: Are there any differences between the groups regarding loneliness, health or wellbeing at baseline and at three, six, nine and 12 months follow-up?

RQ3: Are there any differences within the groups regarding loneliness, health or wellbeing at baseline and at three, six, nine and 12 months follow-up?RQ4: Are there any differences between the groups regarding consumption of care? RQ5: What are the perceived therapeutic mechanisms within the SPiS model?

Data and methodFor the feasibility study, 30 participants will be recruited, for the RCT study at least 220 older adults will be recruited at eight primary health centers in four regions.Plan for project realizationRecruitment will take place at the primary health center where the question about experiences of loneliness is routinely asked.

In cases where loneliness is identified, the person will be asked to participate. Randomization to intervention or waiting list will be done.

The intervention, the SPiS model, consists of in-depths assessment by a specialized team and a prescription of relevant on-going social activities in the local community. The prescribed activity will meet the interests, engagement and needs of the individual. Individualized tailored support to participate in the prescribed activity will be offered.

Loneliness, self-rated health, wellbeing and health-care consumption will be evaluated through forms in connection to recruitment, after six and twelve months. Additional data on involvement in prescribed activity will be gathered through telephone at three and nine months.

Qualitative evaluation through interviews will increase knowledge about perceived therapeutic components of SPiS.RelevanceThe project will provide increased knowledge about social prescribing as an intervention to reduce loneliness among older adults in Sweden.