Introduction: Integration of social prescribing in Australian primary healthcare is growing. The 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in Australia are well situated to drive this integration. However, there is limited guidance on what has or has not worked in terms of how social prescribing initiatives are being developed, executed and evaluated. Reviews on Australian initiatives have relied on searches of peer-reviewed journal publications, but PHN led initiatives are not routinely published in formats captured by scholarly databases. We aimed to perform a targeted review of PHN plans, reports and websites to consolidate knowledge on how PHNs are integrating social prescribing in Australia.
Method: In March 2024, we searched the latest publicly accessible activity work plans, annual reports, strategic documents, and websites using terms related to social prescribing for all 31 PHNs. We analysed information on conceptualisation, design, target population, models used, and evaluation outcomes for programs that were either explicitly described as social prescribing (definite social prescribing initiatives) as well as programs that included linkage of people with community based non-clinical services and supports (aligned programs).
Results: From the 343 relevant documents, we identified 23 definitive social prescribing initiatives and 35 aligned programs. Of the 31 PHNs, 19 were planning, trialling or had implemented at least one ‘definite social prescribing initiative’, and all PHNs had an aligned program. Information on these was often limited and difficult to find. Sixteen of the 23 definite social prescribing initiatives used a medium or holistic model with a link worker role. Formal evaluation reports were found for four initiatives—outcomes were mixed but some benefit was reported in all programs.
Discussion: There is a need for consistent labelling, comprehensive information sharing, and systematic evaluation of programs. These steps will be essential to support advocacy and guide future efforts for social prescribing in Australia.