Duke OTD Faculty Explore Social Prescribing and Its Role in Occupational Therapy
Mary Beth Gallagher, PhD, OTR/L, BCMH, an assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine, was recently featured on AJOT Authors & Issues to discuss her co-authored article, “Threat or Opportunity? Social Prescribing and Implications for Occupational Therapy,” published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT), Volume 79, Issue 6.
Social prescribing is an emerging global health initiative that connects patients to community-based resources—such as arts, movement, and social activities—to improve well-being and reduce isolation. In the interview, Gallagher and co-author Carol Lambdin-Pattavina explore how this approach can complement occupational therapy by addressing social determinants of health and promoting holistic care.
The discussion also highlights practical resources for occupational therapy practitioners, including Social Prescribing USA’s Health Professional Champions Group, WHO guidelines, and upcoming AOTA continuing education webinars. These tools empower occupational therapy practitioners to incorporate social prescribing into practice, thereby enhancing patient engagement and outcomes.
“Social prescribing offers occupational therapy practitioners a unique chance to expand their role in promoting health and participation,” said Gallagher. “By linking clients to meaningful community resources, we can overcome barriers to engagement and support overall well-being.”
This is an interview series sponsored by the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT). Led by AJOT’s editor-in-chief, Dr. Stacey Reynolds, AJOT staff will select one new article to feature each month and examine it in depth with the authors.