Review article
Social prescription interventions: A systematic literature review
Ana Pinheiro Santana Ruiz (Ruiz, A. P. S.); Rodrigo Vieira de Assis (Assis, R. V. de.); Cristian David Cifuentes-Tinjaca (Cifuentes-Tinjaca, C. D.); António Palma Rosinha (Rosinha, A. P.);
Journal Title
Salud Uninorte
Year (definitive publication)
2026
Language
English
Country
Colombia
More Information
Web of Science®

This publication is not indexed in Web of Science®

Scopus

This publication is not indexed in Scopus

Google Scholar

Times Cited: 0

(Last checked: 2026-07-23 01:59)

View record in Google Scholar

This publication is not indexed in Overton

Alternative Titles

(Spanish/Castilian) Intervenciones de prescripción social: Una revisión sistemática de la literatura

Abstract
Introduction: The increasing health disparities underscore the importance of preventive inter- ventions, where social prescription (SP) emerges as a comprehensive intervention for physical, men- tal, and social health. Objective: Identify the application procedures, types of interventions, and results of SP studied in the literature between 2019 and 2023. Materials and methods: In this systematic review, the inclusion criteria consisted of samples of adults with any medical condition, studies available in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, and those describing the direct impact of an SP intervention on clients. The investigation period was from July 12 to September 1, 2023, and the databases used were Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Results: Eight articles involving 352 participants (SD=442.648) were selected. We identified stu- dies of a qualitative (37.5%), quantitative (37.5%), and mixed (25%) nature. Qualitative studies analyzed the experiences and perceptions of clients and liaison workers regarding the SP interven- tion, while quantitative studies assessed the effects of SP on variables such as mental and physi- cal health, and social well-being. Mixed studies analyzed physical health, identification, and social belonging. We identified wide-ranging benefits, including improvements in mental and physical health, self-determination, autonomy, and social well-being. Conclusions: SP has demonstrated the potential to improve health and well-being individually and systemically, thereby increasing the efficiency of healthcare services. However, adaptation to indi- vidual needs and the effective integration of healthcare and community support are essential. The limitations suggest the need for future research addressing additional criteria.
Acknowledgements
--
Keywords
Social prescription,Intervention,Health organization

With the objective to increase the research activity directed towards the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the possibility of associating scientific publications with the Sustainable Development Goals is now available in Ciência_Iscte. These are the Sustainable Development Goals identified by the author(s) for this publication. For more detailed information on the Sustainable Development Goals, click here.