[AVBC 2025] Social Prescribing in Khatib Polyclinic Teamlet A
Care Continuum
Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference
National Healthcare Group
3 November 2025
To increase the percentage of eligible patients who have social prescribing discussed from 4.06% to 40% in Khatib Polyclinic. The initiative shows promise in increasing social prescribing rates and addressing social isolation among seniors, though further.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 03 November 2025
Tags: Care Continuum, Intermediate and Long Term Care ＆ Community Care, Chronic Care, Social Care, Preventive Care, Community Health, Patient Education, Health Promotion
About this Content
Aims
To increase the percentage of eligible patients who have social prescribing discussed from 4.06% to 40% in Khatib Polyclinic Teamlet A from 1st September 2024 to 1st February 2025.
Background
By 2030, 1 in 4 Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above, increasing the risk of social isolation, which affects health outcomes. The National Healthcare Group Polyclinic (NHGP) launched a social prescribing initiative to connect patients with non-clinical community services, aligning with the government's Age Well SG initiative.
Methods
The methodology includes conducting educational talks for healthcare providers, creating motivational scripts for patients, and integrating social prescribing into electronic health records. Specific interventions are planned to address causes related to healthcare providers, patients, and system integration.
Results
The intervention led to a substantial increase in social prescribing rates, reaching a peak of 27.4%. Pre and post-talk scores improved, indicating increased awareness and engagement.
Conclusion
The initiative shows promise in increasing social prescribing rates and addressing social isolation among seniors, though further efforts are needed to reach the target.
Lessons Learnt
Challenges included interruptions in data acquisition, temporary team member absences, and resistance from healthcare providers and patients. Strategies to sustain improvements were identified, such as engaging link workers and providing buffer time during consultations.
Keywords
social prescribing, chronic conditions, community services
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | National Healthcare Group Polyclinic |
Platform(s) | Appropriate & Value-based Care Conference |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Medical, Nursing, Allied Health, Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | General Practice, Geriatric Medicine, Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Goh Jun Heng |
Project Member(s) | Chong Jia Ru |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Goh Jun Heng - jun_heng_goh@nhgp.com.sg
Project Attachment
877_NHGP_AVBC_2025_Social_Prescribing_in_Khatib_Polyclinic_Teamlet_A.pdf