Abstract

Social prescribing has emerged as an innovative, person-centred approach to addressing the social determinants of 
health by linking individuals to non-clinical community resources. This paper examines the conceptual 
foundations, mechanisms, outcomes, and implementation challenges associated with social prescribing. It traces 
the evolution of the approach from welfare-oriented frameworks to its contemporary integration within health 
systems, particularly in primary care settings. The analysis highlights the multidimensional mechanisms through 
which social prescribing influences health, including behavioural change, social engagement, resource navigation, 
and psychological empowerment. Evidence on outcomes suggests potential benefits in physical health, mental 
well-being, and reduced healthcare utilization; however, findings remain mixed and are often constrained by 
methodological limitations and variability in intervention design. The paper further explores key implementation 
barriers, including funding constraints, workforce capacity, service fragmentation, and measurement challenges, 
alongside the critical role of link workers and community partnerships. An equity lens underscores the importance 
of ensuring access for vulnerable and underserved populations while addressing structural determinants of health. 
The study concludes that while social prescribing holds promise for improving health outcomes and promoting 
health equity, its effectiveness depends on robust evaluation frameworks, sustainable funding, integrated care 
models, and context-sensitive implementation strategies.