A realist evaluation of social prescribing

A realist evaluation of social prescribing: an exploration into the context and mechanisms underpinning a pathway linking primary care with the voluntary sector
Primary Health Care Research & Development, v19(3) pp 232-245, May 2018

• An evaluation of a social prescribing pilot in the areas of Hackney and City in London. Based on interviews with stakeholders, the review subdivides the social prescribing pathway into stages, and examining contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes. 
• Several challenges are identified including ‘buy in’ from some GPs, branding, and funding for the third sector.