Signal Canadian data claims arts prescribing cuts primary care visits 42% and returns $4.43 per dollar

Summary

The Music for Health and Wellbeing Initiative cites the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing on the value of arts-based prescriptions. According to that data, such programmes can cut visits to primary care by as much as 42%. They can also reduce use of emergency departments by 24%. The estimated return is 4.43 dollars for each dollar invested. Canada also offers a music example, with the Montreal symphony and a francophone physicians' association launching Music on Prescription in 2025 so doctors can prescribe orchestra tickets. The Initiative presents these results as part of a growing evidence base, though the figures come from programme data rather than independent trials.