Social Prescribing

Older adults and social prescribing experience, outcomes, and

processes: a meta-aggregation systematic review

Study aims: To synthesize available evidence from qualitative methods (e.g. interviews or focus groups) on experience, outcomes, and processes for social prescribing and among adults.

What we did: We conducted a systematic review using the Joanna Brigg's approach. We searched multiple online databases for peer-reviewed studies which included adults aged 60 years and older, and examined social prescribing experience, outcomes, or processes.

What we found: Eight studies met our criteria and were included in the review. We created five synthesized findings related to (1) the approach of social prescribing; implementation factors such as (2) relationships, (3) behaviour change strategies, and (4) the environment; and (5) older adults’ perceived health and psychosocial outcomes. We provide an overview of people and processes involved with social prescribing, identified research and practice gaps, and possible next steps for implementing and evaluating social prescribing for older adults in primary care.