Social prescribing review finds mixed mental health and wellbeing results
Research on referrals to community support describes experiences of belonging and purpose, while varied quantitative results leave overall effectiveness uncertain.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review does not establish a consistent mental health or wellbeing benefit from social prescribing referral pathways. Quantitative findings were mixed, while qualitative studies described experiences such as greater belonging and purpose. Because the studies used widely different methods, the evidence cannot yet provide a clear overall judgment about effectiveness across these approaches.
The abstract identifies substantial variation in study methods, which limits comparisons and firm conclusions. It does not give a pooled effect estimate, describe specific control conditions or report how long participants were followed.
What social prescribing meant here
The review examined pathways connecting people with community-based, non-clinical support. These involved providers in health services, community organizations, social care and voluntary services, so the evidence covered varied referral arrangements and interventions.
Different evidence answers different questions
Quantitative studies commonly measured wellbeing, anxiety, depression and quality of life. Qualitative work explored social experiences and feelings. Reports of belonging can help explain participants' experiences without resolving whether measured health outcomes improve consistently.
The original publication
Integrating Non-Clinical Supports into Care: A Systematic Review of Social Prescribing Referral Pathways for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Psychosocial Improvement.
Spanos S, Wijekulasuriya S, Ellis LA et al.
Int J Integr Care · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40862008
- Record checked
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