Toolkit provides step-by-step guidance for implementing social prescribing programs that connect individuals to community resources that support health and well-being.
Background
Health outcomes are shaped by social, economic, and environmental factors that extend beyond clinical care. Social prescribing is an approach that helps health care providers connect individuals with non-clinical community services and activities that address social needs and support health and well-being. Developed by the World Health Organization, this toolkit provides practical guidance for health and social services organizations implementing social prescribing programs, particularly delivered to those who are most vulnerable to social isolation.
About this Resource
This toolkit is intended for community health care facilities, long-term care organizations, mental health care providers, community-based organizations, and policymakers interested in implementing or expanding social prescribing. It provides step-by-step guidance for implementing social prescribing at the community level and includes practical resources that can be adapted to local contexts, including conducting a situation analysis, assembling an implementation team, developing a workplan, mapping community resources, engaging key stakeholders, training link workers, and monitoring program outcomes. It covers key implementation steps such as conducting a situation analysis, developing referral pathways, training link workers, mapping community resources, and monitoring outcomes. The toolkit also includes case studies and customizable templates to support program design and implementation.
Program/Policy Takeaways
Community health centers, long-term care facilities, mental health care providers, and other implementing organizations can use this toolkit to develop and scale social prescribing programs. Policymakers and health system leaders may also find it useful when building cross-sector partnerships, developing workforce capacity, and supporting broader adoption of social prescribing.
