Organization and implementation of social prescribing in the Western Pacific Region: a scoping review

Background: Social prescribing (SP) connects individuals to non-clinical community resources to address social determinants of health (SDH). This review aimed to map and categorise SP models to inform adaptation and implementation across the Western Pacific Region (WPR).

Methods: A scoping review was conducted using peer-reviewed databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase) and the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS). Grey literature was identified through expert consultations with key stakeholders in WPR countries, informed by the World Health Organization and the International Social Prescribing Collaborative. Data were extracted and categorised by SDH focus, intervention type, delivery mechanism, funding, target population, and implementation challenges.

Findings: Fifty-five sources were included (42 peer-reviewed, 13 grey literature), with most studies from Australia (62%), Singapore (10%), and New Zealand (7%). SP models varied in structure, funding, and population reach. Common interventions addressed chronic disease, mental health, and social isolation. Key challenges included limited resources, fragmented referral systems, and a lack of standardised evaluation.

Interpretation: Many WPR countries implement SP-like activities, though not always recognised as such. A structured yet flexible SP framework is needed to support scale-up, tailored to local systems and community strengths.