Progressing social prescribing with a focus on process of connection: Evidence-informed guidance for robust evaluation and evidence synthesis

Abstract

‘First paragraph:’ Each element of this [the social prescribing] system requires a robust and relevant evidence base. [1] Social prescribing, also known as community referral, is gaining international recognition as a tool holding benefits for individuals, health care systems, and societies [2]. It has been referred to as “an innovative approach to public health” [3] (p. 117), and is recommended as an advantageous method to help facilitate recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic [4]. Social prescribing schemes involve health or social care professionals connecting individuals (patients) with local community-based opportunities, such as gardening clubs or walking groups, to improve those individuals’ health and wellbeing (physical, mental and/or social) [2]. Connections can be made through a direct route (health or social care professional to an opportunity) or an indirect route (health or social care professional to social prescribing professional – usually referred to as ‘link worker’ or ‘community connector’ – to an opportunity). Various methods of connection can be used: signposting, prescription or referral in a direct route, and a combination of these in an indirect route [5].