Understanding the economic, physical and mental health impacts of warmth on prescription: A systematic review

There is increased evidence connecting housing temperatures with indicators of physical and psychological health and well-being – with cold homes being linked to increased risks of respiratory diseases, strokes and depression. Recently a Warm Homes Prescription (WHP) pilot scheme was implemented and evaluated in different regions of the UK (Energy Systems Catapult, 2023; 2024). This comprised healthcare professionals identifying residents affected by the adverse impacts of cold homes within one of the WHP areas. These individuals were offered energy credits to heat their homes during the Winter months to a healthy temperature. In addition, those running the WHP project offered checks of, and modifications to, existing energy systems to improve efficiency in the longer-term.

Initial evaluation of WHP (CRESR, 2023; Energy Systems Catapult 2023, 2024) was positive for perceived mental and physical well-being. However it is unclear how other interventions to achieve healthy home temperatures link to physical, psychological and economic benefits. This paper therefore presents a systematic review of the existing peer reviewed and grey literature. This included searches of relevant academic databases (e.g. PubMed, Cochrane Library and PsycInfo) and for publications from relevant organisations such as healthcare providers and government departments. Sources were selected if they included a valid and reliable outcome measure of physical or mental health and were evaluated using established quality assessment tools. The results provide a clear picture of how such home heating support impacts the physical and mental health of adults and older adults and the wider economic impact of such approaches.