Different ways to deliver social prescribing in general practice
29 Sep 2026
Social prescribing may be delivered through a range of models, including dedicated link workers, simple signposting, volunteer or peer support, community-led services, digital navigation tools and integrated care pathways.
There is no single approach that works for every practice.
However, general practices can face several challenges when using social prescribing. These include limited time and staff capacity, unclear referral processes, funding and resource constraints, and differences in the services available in each area.
Research also shows that social prescribing programs can vary widely.
A review of 159 programs found significant differences in how services were designed and delivered, with no single model identified as the best approach.
Link worker programs have been linked with improved outcomes, but they can require more resources and may be more difficult to expand across larger numbers of practices.
Local services can help practices identify suitable community programs and refer patients who may benefit from social prescribing.
The Lurnea Community Hub is also running a pilot Social Prescribing Program as part of a nine-part series on social prescribing in general practice.
Different ways to deliver social prescribing in general practice
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (Practice Pulse), 29 September 2026