The role of interprofessional collaboration for social prescribing: a systematic review

Aim The current management of interprofessional collaborations in social prescribing schemes remains unclear. This systematic review aims to explore published reports of social prescribing schemes to examine the ways in which interprofessional collaborations are managed and their influence on social prescribing schemes. Subjects and methods We searched CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO PubMed, Social Care Online, and Web of Science and grey literature The searches were conducted between August 2022 and April 2023. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts and assessed the quality of included records and extracted the data. Results We included 20 records. All included studies used qualitative methods and seven of the studies utilised mixed methods. Three themes were identified (1) requirements for collaboration, (2) challenges to establishing collaboration, and (3) forms and values of collaboration. Conclusion Different models of social prescribing are in operation and mostly reported in the UK. There is a lack of uniformity in the definition of social prescribing and interprofessional collaboration in relation to social prescribing schemes. More inclusive models of social prescribing and co-production with all stakeholders are warranted to sustain social prescribing schemes after initial funding initiatives. The involvement and onboarding of multiple professions is essential to deliver person-centred care in community settings.