is there evidence supporting efficacy of social prescribing?

Introduction

Social prescribing (SP) is an approach that aims to address patients' non-medical needs by linking them with community-based support and activities. It is increasingly being integrated into primary care to improve health and well-being, particularly for those with chronic conditions, mental health issues, and social isolation. This synthesis examines the evidence supporting the efficacy of social prescribing.

Key Insights

Positive Effects on Well-being and Mental Health:
- SP interventions have shown improvements in mental health, general health, and quality of life, particularly through the link worker model and community referrals .
- Statistically significant improvements in mental health outcomes, such as reduced anxiety and depression, have been reported in several studies .
Increased Physical Activity:
- SP exercise interventions have been found to slightly increase physical activity levels among participants, although the benefits for metabolic factors like blood pressure and glucose levels were not significant.
Social Connectedness and Support:
- SP has been associated with increased social connectedness and support, which in turn improves quality of life and reduces feelings of loneliness .
- The sustained and flexible relationship between service users and Wellbeing Coordinators is a key factor in the success of SP interventions.
Mixed Evidence on Health Care Utilization:
- Some studies suggest that SP may reduce future access to primary care, although the evidence is inconclusive .
- There is limited quantitative evidence supporting a decrease in health service use, despite perceptions of reduced workload among general practitioners .
Need for Rigorous Research:
- The current evidence base is mixed and often methodologically weak, with many studies having a high risk of bias and lacking control groups .
- Further rigorous, controlled trials are needed to determine the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of SP interventions .

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that social prescribing can positively impact mental health, well-being, and social connectedness. However, its effects on physical health and healthcare utilization are less clear. The current body of research is limited by methodological weaknesses, indicating a need for more robust studies to fully understand the efficacy and mechanisms of social prescribing.

Is there evidence supporting efficacy of social prescribing?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Social Prescribing: Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Psychosocial Community Referral Interventions in Primary Care

Social prescribing shows positive effects on various endpoints, but more rigorous controlled trials are needed to confirm clinical relevance and sustainability.

Effectiveness of social prescribing for chronic disease prevention in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Social prescribing may slightly increase physical activity but has no significant impact on metabolic factors.

Effectiveness of Social Prescribing Programs in the Primary Health-Care Context: A Systematic Literature Review

Social prescribing programs show promise in promoting health behaviors, but their effectiveness on patient health and wellbeing is not strong.

Effectiveness and active ingredients of social prescribing interventions targeting mental health: a systematic review

Social prescribing interventions show potential in improving mental health and well-being, but more comprehensive research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and enhance treatment fidelity.

Understanding the effectiveness and mechanisms of a social prescribing service: a mixed method analysis

Social prescribing can improve well-being, health, and social connectedness, but its impact on primary care access remains inconclusive.

The impact of social prescribing services on service users: a systematic review of the evidence.

Social prescribing services show mixed results in improving health and wellbeing, with some studies showing improvements but others showing no change.

Exploring the components and impact of social prescribing

Social prescribing is perceived to increase patients' mental well-being and decrease health service use, but quantitative evidence supporting this is limited.

What approaches to social prescribing work, for whom, and in what circumstances? A realist review

Social prescribing interventions can improve health and well-being for patients with long-term conditions when they believe in its benefits, it is accessible, and the activity leader is skilled and knowledgeable.

Impact of social prescribing on general practice workload and polypharmacy.

Social prescribing may improve patients' self-esteem and well-being, but may not decrease GP workload.

Social Prescribing as ‘Social Cure’: A longitudinal study of the health benefits of social connectedness within a Social Prescribing pathway

Social Prescribing enhances health and well-being by enhancing social connections, with benefits mediated by belonging, support, and loneliness in patients with long-term health conditions.

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