Using social prescribing by Iranian medical students: a step towards community-orientation and social determinants of health by revising the health internship curriculum

Abstract

Background: In order to meet patients' social needs, including social prescribing in the curriculum of medical students is a necessity. Aim: Becoming familiarized with the SDH perspective and referral method to link workers (LWs) and the principles of social prescribing (SP). Methods: Using Levin's model, the intervention was performed in the field of health of medical students in 2018–2020 for 38 interns in Dezful University of Medical Sciences. Following holding meetings (Plan), a social case was selected and the social version (Act) was developed. Then the other students observed the prescription and identified the strengths and weaknesses (Reflect). Finally, the results were evaluated by Kirk Patrick model. Results: At the reaction level, 63.14% agreed with the applicability of SP and 68.42% with its usefulness for prospective work; 97.36% believed that familiarity with the community context was essential and 78.93% considered SDH study and SP’s necessary. At the learning level, over 90% of the total score was obtained. The results of behavior level included interest, compassion and following up people's problems, the level of results, empowerment and improving unhealthy living conditions of individuals. Conclusion: Promising positive results indicate that SP can be one of the ways of supporting primary health care.