Social prescribing (also known as community referral) is when a Social Prescribing Link Worker engages with a patient to support them with a plan which can be a series of signposting or referrals to support in the community, in order to improve their health and wellbeing.[1] The concept has gained support in the NHS organisations of the United Kingdom as well as in Ireland[2] and the Netherlands[3] and forms part of the NHS Long Term Plan. The referral mechanisms, target groups, services offered through social prescribing vary across settings. However, the process usually involves screening for non-medical needs and referrals to support services that are typically offered by community-based organizations.[4]
The goals of social prescribing are to reduce the rise of healthcare costs and easing pressure of general practice clinics.[1] A 2015 Commission in the UK estimated that about 20% of patient consultations were for social problems rather than medical problems.[5]