Abstract

VAZ, Teresa  and  SA, Luísa. Social prescribing - a review. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.3, pp.971-978.  Epub Dec 31, 2021. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/21psd220316.

According to World Health Organisation health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” and social determinants of health are “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age” and that affect people’s health. Interest in these concepts is growing. In fact, in some countries, physicians are already applying tools to identify patients’ social needs. The concept of social prescribing arises from the need to adopt a holistic approach of our patients. The aim of this review is to define the concept of social prescribing, to describe its potential benefits and its evidence. We conducted a search of systematic reviews, meta-analysis and clinical trials published till 31st august 2020, available in English, Portuguese and Spanish using the MeSH terms “social prescribing” and “primary care”. Social prescribing is a way of linking patients in primary care with sources of support within the community to help improve their health and wellbeing. Data from recent studies demonstrate that some Social Prescription Programmes lead to improvements in the quality of life and well-being of the participants, as well as a reduction in feelings of loneliness, anxiety, emotional problems and the use of health care. Despite growing interest in these programmes, evidence base relating to social precribing efficacy and its cost-benefit is lacking. Although Social Prescribing has the potential to improve health care, more and better studies in this area are needed to prove its true value.

Keywords : Social determinants of health; Social prescribing; Primary care.

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