Scientific Publications
Dive more deeply into background literature and read publications by the SP-EU consortium. As soon as new SP-EU publications are available, we list them here. All Horizon Europe-funded publications are required to be Open Access, meaning the references on this page are linked directly to the full text publication.
Social, green and arts prescriptions for health: Harnessing the power of community interventions for well-being
Eurohealth, 31(2): pp. 12-15
Social prescribing connects people to community activities, like arts, creative events, or nature walks, aiming to enhance their health and well-being. It addresses health determinants, offers a person-centred, health-promoting approach, and helps reduce pressure on health systems. By increasing engagement, fostering trust, and strengthening social connections, social prescribing can contribute to better health outcomes. When designed inclusively, it can advance health equity by reaching underserved groups. Although interest is rising across Europe, long-term success relies on consistent funding, seamless integration into health and social systems, and investment in community resources to generate widespread and lasting positive effects.
GPs’ perspectives on care models integrating medical and non-medical services in primary care – a representative survey in Germany
BMC Primary Care 25, Article number: 441
A survey of German general practitioners (GPs) found strong support for integrating medical and non-medical services in primary care, with social prescribing and social work rated most meaningful. Over 65% saw value in using at least one care model, and 25% supported joining integrated primary care centers. Younger and female GPs were more receptive, while older and male GPs were more skeptical. Overall, GPs found the models meaningful but had reservations about practical implementation.
Background Reading
- Bickerdike L et al. (2017). Social prescribing: Less rhetoric and more reality. A systematic review of the evidence. BMJ Open, 7(4), e013384.
- Costa A et al. (2021). Effectiveness of social prescribing programs in the primary health-care context: A systematic literature review. Sustainability, 13(5), 2731.
- Herrmann WJ, Laker K & Napierala H (2024). Challenges and opportunities for social prescribing in Germany: Policy and methodological perspectives. In D. Southby & A. Ridley (Eds.), Social Prescribing Policy, Research and Practice (pp. 101–113). Springer.
- Husk K et al. (2020). What approaches to social prescribing work, for whom, and in what circumstances? A realist review. Health & Social Care in the Community, 28(2), 309–324.
- Morse DF et al. (2022). Global developments in social prescribing. BMJ Global Health – Practice 7(5), e008524.
- Napierala H et al. (2022). Social prescribing: Systematic review of the effectiveness of psychosocial community referral interventions in primary care. International Journal of Integrated Care, 22(3), 11.
- Oster C et al. (2023). Models of social prescribing to address non-medical needs in adults: A scoping review. BMC Health Services Research, 23, 642.
- Pescheny JV, Randhawa G & Pappas Y (2020). The impact of social prescribing services on service users: A systematic review of the evidence. European Journal of Public Health, 30(4), 664–673.
