Evidence base
BMC Health Services Research
Do People Perceive Benefits in the Use of Social Prescribing to Address Loneliness and/or Social Isolation? A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis
What it found
This qualitative meta-synthesis pulls together studies on how people experience social prescribing for loneliness and social isolation. Participants reported benefits going beyond simple social contact, describing restored meaningful participation and a sense of purpose. Across the synthesised studies, structured, purposeful group activity appeared more effective than contact alone.
Why it matters for practice
For anyone designing or commissioning social prescribing services, this is a signal to weight referral pathways toward structured, purpose-driven activities rather than generic social contact, though as a qualitative synthesis it speaks to perceived benefit rather than measured outcomes.