Knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of family physiciansand family medicine specialty students towards socialservices and social prescribing

ABSTRACT KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS AND FAMILY MEDICINE SPECIALTY STUDENTS TOWARDS SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL PRESCRIBING Introduction and Objective: Social prescribing refers to the practice where family doctors direct their patients to various activities available in the community that can support their health. This study aims to explore the concept of social prescribing which enables a holistic approach in health services and to determine the knowledge of primary care physicians on this topic. Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional research designed using a survey method to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of family physicians and family medicine residency students regarding social services and social prescribing. The survey consists of a total of 37 questions. Findings: 40% of the physicians participating in the study reported that they encounter patients suitable for medical social services multiple times daily. 31.2% of the participants did not know where to direct patients who are eligible for medical social services. Only 10.6% of physicians had taken courses related to social services during their pre-graduation medical training. 80.1% of the participants had not received training on social services in their current positions. The presence of social workers in the institutions where they work was 18.4%. 90.1% of the participants believe that there is a need for social workers in family medicine practice. Conclusion: The awareness and acceptance towards the concept of social prescribing reflects a tendency to suggest a range of recommendations including directing patients to physical activity, hobby courses, social events, and other creative and mental activities. This study suggests further research on how social services and social prescribing can be more effectively integrated into family medicine practice.