From movie referrals to advice to joining a fitness group, the concept of social prescribing is slowly taking off in Australia, with GPs set to play a central role in the future.

A number of small trials and projects are underway, but more could be done to promote the idea that has taken off and is trending in other countries, such as the UK, a report says.

A survey commissioned for the report found most (88%) patients believed social prescribing — referral to non-medical activities, ranging from health and fitness programs to movie clubs and meditation — would benefit their health. But over half (57%) said their GP had never discussed such services.

The report, from a roundtable discussion co-hosted by the RACGP and the Consumer Health forum late last year, has recommended a number of ways to develop the practice in Australia.