Evaluation Methods for Social Prescribing Projects

Social prescribing (SP) leverages nonmedical interventions by connecting people in need to community-based resources. Literature addressing evaluation of SP lacks methodological consistency, and could limit scale and spread of SP. This review summarizes the published literature related to evaluation practices for SP (nonmedical) interventions in older adult populations. The analysis included programs incorporating comprehensive assessment, SP interventions, and outcome evaluation. Half of the articles focused on loneliness and social connection outcomes, while the others described comprehensive SP programs that included social and economic outcome measurement. Lack of clarity in methodology or outcome measures, inconsistent language and tool use, and limited funding at the community level limits data collection for validation of SP interventions. By standardizing measurement tools, targeting efficiency indicators, adopting common language, and addressing both social and economic outcomes, SP evaluation can facilitate a clear understanding of the social and economic benefits of SP programs.