A social prescribing program in Massachusetts improved well-being among program participants. 

Background 

Social prescribing programs that encourage participation in arts and cultural activities are a means of connecting individuals with meaningful experiences that may improve health and well-being. This mixed-methods pilot evaluation examined CultureRx, Massachusetts’ arts-on-prescription program, and explored the experiences of participants, providers, and cultural organizations involved in the intervention. 

Findings  

The study collected survey, interview, and focus group data from 84 participants, 33 health care providers, and 12 cultural organizations involved in the CultureRx pilot, a six-month, Massachusetts-based program in which health care providers could refer individuals to community-based arts and cultural experiences. Participants, who ranged in age from 4 to 90 and were referred through health care provider partnerships, generally reported enjoying prescribed arts and cultural experiences, felt welcome and safe, and viewed participation as beneficial to their well-being. Providers described CultureRx as a valuable addition to their referral toolkit and noted that prescribing arts and cultural experiences was often viewed positively by patients. Cultural organizations reported benefits including improved mood, increased social connection, and greater engagement among participants, as well as implementation challenges including transportation barriers, participant recruitment, and capacity constraints. 

Program/Policy Takeaways 

This pilot suggests that arts and cultural prescribing may expand the non-clinical supports available through health care. Health care providers, community organizations, and policymakers can strengthen these programs by investing in referral partnerships and addressing barriers such as transportation, awareness, and organizational capacity that may affect participation and program sustainability.