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The Role of Social Prescribing in Addressing Health Inequalities

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Social Prescribing Policy, Research and Practice

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Abstract

In this chapter, we will critically examine the role of social prescribing in addressing health inequalities. We will define what is meant by the term health inequalities and discuss assumptions around how social prescribing can tackle such inequalities. Drawing on examples from research and practice, we will reflect on how far social prescribing has contributed to addressing social determinants of health and what challenges may exist. We will explore questions such as are those most in need accessing social prescribing and how is its impact on health inequalities being evidenced? We will consider barriers that may be faced when referring people to social prescribing link workers and issues arising at the point of connecting people to community assets. We will conclude with considerations for how data collection and evidence can be better captured to evidence the impact of social prescribing on health inequalities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

    Koser Khan

  2. Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

    Stephanie Tierney

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  1. Institute for Connected Communities, University of East London, London, UK

    Marcello Bertotti

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Khan, K., Tierney, S. (2024). The Role of Social Prescribing in Addressing Health Inequalities. In: Bertotti, M. (eds) Social Prescribing Policy, Research and Practice. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52106-5_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52106-5_3

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