Our Work
What We Do
Our research program is focused on community mobility, people, and places.
We work with many people to understand their perspectives and identify practical solutions for community mobility.
In the sections below, we provide an overview of a main focus in our lab, social prescribing.
What is Social Prescribing?
Connecting People to Community Resources – Building Bridges
Social prescribing is a health and social model of care. It originated in the United Kingdom but is now available in many sites globally.
It aims to work with people with non-medical unmet social needs and connect them with community resources and people.
In many places there can be a person who helps to navigate community resources. Sometimes, this person is called a community link worker.
Social Prescriptions
Evidence for social prescribing is promising but there are still knowledge gaps. Below are some “social prescriptions” which may address people’s unmet social needs.
Arts-based Activities
A creative outlet to improve mental health and well-being.
Gardening
Improve health, reduce stress, and get a sense of accomplishment.
Libraries
Read or borrow a book, engage in courses, and connect with your community.
Museums
Opportunities for learning and socialization.
Physical Activity
Health and well-being benefits, opportunities to socialize.
Transportation
Active transportation (walking, biking) can improve physical fitness, while transportation, in general, provides access to community resources.
There are many groups and places to connect with others in the community. Social prescribing can act as a bridge to promote community connections, access to resources and improve the overall quality of life.
Using technology to support health and well-being
There are advantages to using technology in the delivery of health and social models of care
However, it is important to look at the challenges people face with technology and reduce barriers.
See our blog: A review of adherence to online falls prevention training
Reablement
Doing “with” not doing “for”
This is another health and social model of care we study. It is focused on helping people to engage or re-engage with usual life activities.
Mobilizing Knowledge
Read about our latest publications from our work. Also check out our blog posts!
Social Prescribing
Grover et al., Older adults and social prescribing experience, outcomes, and processes: a meta-aggregation systematic review. Public Health. 2023 May;218:197-207.
Read MoreSocial Prescribing
Esfandiari et al., Social Prescribing Outcomes for Trials (SPOT): Protocol for a modified Delphi study on core outcomes. PLOS One. 2023 May 16;18(5):e0285182
See our blog: Measuring What Matters in Social Prescribing
Reablement
Ashe et al., Determinants of implementing reablement into research or practice: A concept mapping study. Physiotherapy Research International. 2022 Jul;27(3):e1949
Read MoreOur Work
We use participatory methods or approaches to understand and co-create solutions to practical problems.
See our Current Projects