Social prescribing with link worker for dementia: a scoping review

Purpose Social prescribing supports people with complex needs to improve social, physical and mental wellbeing. While dementia is mentioned in UK social prescribing policy documents, there is no implementation guidance. People with dementia have complex health and social care needs and support is available from community-based initiatives (third sector). Many people may struggle to access support, and social prescribing could have a role in bridging this gap. Evidence is needed to demonstrate benefits and identify additional training for link workers to address specific needs of people with dementia. Method A systematic search was conducted of four academic databases and grey literature. Inclusion criteria included description of link worker and person-centred care planning. Findings 126 articles were identified and screened leading to selection of 6 articles. Quality appraisal found variable quality of reporting, with study types including survey, qualitative and mixed methods. Our analytic framework was derived from an international consensus study of social prescribing. Each theme was evidenced in our selected studies; referral route, link worker, person-centred care plan and access to resources. Evidence was limited on the role played by link workers. We noted an absence of discussion of how dementia-related impairments may require special training for link workers or additional resources. Originality In this first review of social prescribing for dementia we found only a small number of studies. Our analysis has identified gaps in knowledge about social prescribing and, in particular, whether modifications are required in order to provide optimal support for people with dementia.