Social prescribing is growing rapidly globally as a way to tackle social determinants of health. However, whom it is reaching and how effectively it is being implemented remains unclear.

To gain a comprehensive picture of social prescribing in the UK, from referral routes, reasons, to contacts with link workers and prescribed interventions.

This study undertook the first analyses of a large database of administrative data from over 160 000 individuals referred to social prescribing across the UK. Data were analysed using descriptive analyses and regression modelling, including logistic regression for binary outcomes and negative binomial regression for count variables.

Mental health was the most common referral reason and mental health interventions were the most common interventions prescribed. Between 72% and 85% of social prescribing referrals were from medical routes (primary or secondary healthcare). Although these referrals demonstrated equality in reaching across sociodemographic groups, individuals from more deprived areas, younger adults, men, and ethnic minority groups were reached more equitably via non-medical routes (e.g. self-referral, school, charity). Despite 90% of referrals leading to contact with a link worker, only 38% resulted in any intervention being received. A shortage of provision of community activities – especially ones relevant to mental health, practical support and social relationships – was evident. There was also substantial heterogeneity in how social prescribing is implemented across UK nations.

Mental health is the leading reason for social prescribing referrals, demonstrating its relevance to psychiatrists. But there are inequalities in referrals. Non-medical referral routes could play an important role in addressing inequality in accessing social prescribing and therefore should be prioritised. Additionally, more financial and infrastructural resource and strategic planning are needed to address low intervention rates. Further investment into large-scale data platforms and staff training are needed to continue monitoring the development and distribution of social prescribing.

社会处方作为解决健康的社会决定因素的一种方式，在全球范围内迅速发展。然而，它正在覆盖谁以及实施效果如何仍不清楚。

全面了解英国的社会处方，从转诊途径、原因到与链接工作人员的联系和规定的干预措施。

这项研究对来自英国超过 160 000 名被转介到社会处方的个人的大型行政数据数据库进行了首次分析。使用描述性分析和回归模型分析数据，包括二元结局的 logistic 回归和计数变量的负二项式回归。

心理健康是最常见的转诊原因，心理健康干预是最常见的干预措施。72% 至 85% 的社会处方转诊来自医疗途径（初级或二级医疗保健）。尽管这些转诊表明跨社会人口群体的接触是平等的，但来自更贫困地区的个人、年轻人、男性和少数族裔群体通过非医疗途径（例如自我转诊、学校、慈善机构）得到了更公平的接触。尽管 90% 的推荐导致与链接工作人员取得联系，但只有 38% 导致收到任何干预。社区活动的提供短缺，尤其是与心理健康、实际支持和社会关系相关的活动，是明显的短缺。英国国家之间实施社会处方的方式也存在很大差异。

心理健康是社会处方转诊的主要原因，证明了它与精神科医生的相关性。但是，转诊存在不平等。非医疗转诊途径可能在解决获得社会处方方面的不平等问题方面发挥重要作用，因此应优先考虑。此外，需要更多的财政和基础设施资源以及战略规划来解决干预率低的问题。需要进一步投资于大型数据平台和员工培训，以继续监测社会处方的发展和分发。