Three in four GPs support arts in healthcare, survey says

Three in four (74%) of GPs believe the arts can make a "significant contribution" to preventative healthcare, a new survey says.

Social enterprise Aesop asked 1000 UK doctors about whether arts activities can prevent ill health and save the NHS money. Just over half (54%) said arts-based interventions can be a cost effective way to deliver primary care to the public.

READ MORE:

• £2m study into 'scaling up' arts and health interventions
• Why we're taking action on mental health in the UK

Dr Michael Dixon, NHS England Clinical Champion for Social Prescribing said "this reveals a massive culture change in a very short time".

"It shows that my fellow GPs have quickly recognised the power of the arts to benefit patients, reduce calls on the NHS and stop the prescribing of ever more drugs."