Social Prescription Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review

Authors

  • Ana Paula Pinheiro Santana-Ruiz Universidade do Algarve Portugal
  • Rodrigo Vieira de Assis University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
  • Cristian David Cifuentes Tinjaca Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • António Palma Rosinha Instituto Português de Administração de Marketing de Lisboa, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.02.528.657

Keywords:

Social Prescription;, Intervention;, Health Organization.

Abstract

Introduction: The increasing health disparities underscore the importance of preventive interventions,
where social prescription (SP) emerges as a comprehensive intervention for physical, mental,
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 studies
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 intervention,
while quantitative studies assessed the effects of SP on variables such as mental and physical
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 individual
needs and the effective integration of healthcare and community support are essential. The
limitations suggest the need for future research addressing additional criteria.

Author Biographies

  • Ana Paula Pinheiro Santana-Ruiz, Universidade do Algarve Portugal

    PhD in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Work and Organizational Psychology,
    Universidade do Algarve (Portugal). dra.anapaularuiz@gmail.com. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6215-1742

  • Rodrigo Vieira de Assis , University Institute of Lisbon, Portugal

    PhD and a Master’s Degree in Sociology. Integrated Researcher, Centre for
    Research and Studies in Sociology (CIES-Iscte). Assistant Professor of
    Social Research Methods, Iscte-University Institute of Lisbon (Portugal).
    rodrigo.assis@iscte-iul.pt. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6244-4342

  • Cristian David Cifuentes Tinjaca, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

    Nursing Research Coordinator, Vice-Rectory for Research, Universidad Manuela Beltrán. Researcher, Faculty of Nursing,
    Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Colombia). ccifuentest@unal.edu.co.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5648-2748

  • António Palma Rosinha , Instituto Português de Administração de Marketing de Lisboa, Portugal

    Psychologist. Master’s Degree in Social and Organizational Psychology. Doctor
    in Organizational and Work Psychology. Professor, Instituto Português de
    Administração de Marketing de Lisboa (Portugal). antonio.rosinha@ipiaget.pt.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0926-3520

Downloads

Published

2026-07-09

Issue

Section

SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS (WITHOUT META-ANALYSIS)

How to Cite

Social Prescription Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review. (2026). SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL SALUD UNINORTE, 42(2), 449-482. https://doi.org/10.14482/sun.42.02.528.657

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