Experiences of social prescribing in the UK: a qualitative systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Social prescribing connects patients to resources or activities to meet their non-medical needs. In the UK, it is often implemented in primary care. In the social prescribing pathway, patients are directed to link workers to identify suitable solutions for their needs such as art workshops or welfare benefit guidance. Social prescribing marks a notable transition from traditional medical treatments to more comprehensive strategies focusing on holistic health and wellbeing. Insights from patient experiences can improve the development of social prescribing to better meet their needs. This understanding can aid in improving the delivery and outcomes of social prescribing. AIM: To synthesise qualitative research on the experiences of social prescribing among patients in the UK. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative systematic review using thematic synthesis for peer-reviewed studies that focused on experiences of users of social prescribing in the UK. METHOD: An exhaustive search was performed in six databases: ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Social Sciences Citation Index via Web of Science. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative research was used for quality assessment and the PRISMA 2020 checklist was used to ensure the report transparency. RESULTS: Titles and abstracts of 1269 studies were screened. In total, 85 studies were full-text screened, and 19 studies were included in the review. Five analytical themes were developed from these studies: a) searching for hope in times of adversity; b) variability in temporal responsiveness; c) sustained change from a positive response; d) feeling supported and empowered by the social prescribing pathway; and e) misalignment producing no response. CONCLUSION: Patients might experience lasting advantages from social prescribing if it aligns with their needs and expectations. Results highlighted the importance of matching social prescribing referral with patients' readiness to engage. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals evaluate patient suitability before beginning a social prescribing referral.