In Zurich, doctors can now prescribe social support, connecting patients whose health is affected by poverty, housing stress, or unemployment directly to qualified social workers.
LINKING HEALTH WITH EVERYDAY REALITIES
Many health problems are closely connected to challenges such as financial stress, housing insecurity, or difficulties with employment and social security. To address these issues, the City of Zurich launched the Social Prescriptions pilot in 2025. Doctors and medical staff in five outpatient clinics can refer patients whose health is affected by social circumstances directly to qualified social workers. This simple referral system helps people access tailored support quickly and ensures that non-medical factors influencing health are no longer overlooked.
BRINGING SOCIAL SUPPORT INTO HEALTHCARE
Social Prescriptions introduce a new approach by creating a direct connection between healthcare and social services. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, the project addresses the underlying causes that affect people’s health and quality of life. The low-threshold referral mechanism enables doctors and social workers to collaborate more closely, making support easier to access and creating a more holistic and person-centred model of care. Its simplicity and adaptability make the approach highly transferable.
IMPROVING HEALTH THROUGH EARLY SUPPORT
The project is already demonstrating strong demand, with more than 160 social prescriptions issued during its first six months. By helping vulnerable individuals address practical challenges early, the initiative reduces social stress factors and supports better long-term health outcomes. Patients benefit from more comprehensive care, while the healthcare system gains a more effective way of responding to complex needs. Through closer cooperation between medical and social services, Zurich is laying the foundations for a more integrated and resilient approach to healthcare.
