Integrating Non-Clinical Supports into Care: A Systematic Review of Social Prescribing Referral Pathways for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Psychosocial Improvement

Introduction: Social prescribing (SP) involves person-centred integration of non-clinical supports into care, which is critical for addressing mental health and psychosocial needs and enhancing wellbeing. This systematic review evaluated the impact of SP referral pathways on mental health, wellbeing, and psychosocial outcomes.

Methods: Four databases (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO and Scopus) were searched for empirical studies of referral pathways to community-based SP interventions targeting mental health, psychosocial factors and/or wellbeing. Data from studies published from January 2010 to April 2024 were extracted; referral pathways, interventions, and their resultant outcomes were synthesised and tabulated.

Results: Across the 30 included studies, 27 SP interventions and two main referral pathways were identified, involving providers across health, community, social, and voluntary care sectors. Quantitative outcomes (n = 21, 70%) most frequently measured were wellbeing, anxiety, depression and quality of life. Findings were mixed, and widely varying methodological approaches limited study comparability. Qualitative outcomes (n = 16, 53%) were mostly associated with social interactions (e.g., increased sense of belonging) and self-concepts and feelings (e.g., increased sense of purpose).

Discussion and conclusion: Research on SP referral pathways supporting mental health, wellbeing and psychosocial outcomes is proliferating, but high heterogeneity in the evidence base limits conclusive inferences about effectiveness. Standardised quantitative measurement of core outcomes, supplemented by rigorous qualitative designs, will enhance capacity to demonstrate the value of an SP approach to integrated care for mental and psychosocial health and wellbeing.