Harms and Negative or Unintended Consequences of Social Prescribing: A Scoping Review

V Papon; J Schöpf; J S. Litt; M Arvandi; N Opacin; E Nöhammer; N Lorenzoni; KH Pitkälä; A Jansson; J Stratil; U Siebert; U Rochau; S Puntscher

Journal article

Harms and Negative or Unintended Consequences of Social Prescribing: A Scoping Review

V Papon, J Schöpf, J S. Litt, M Arvandi, N Opacin, E Nöhammer, N Lorenzoni, KH Pitkälä, A Jansson, J Stratil, U Siebert, U Rochau, S Puntscher

Healthcare Switzerland | MDPI AG | Published : 2026

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare14131947

Open access

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Social Prescribing (SP) seeks to address non-medical needs by connecting individuals to community-based resources through a person-centered “social prescription”, such as group activities or support services. SP is increasingly being implemented internationally and has demonstrated potential benefits for wellbeing. However, potential harms and negative or unintended consequences (HNUCs) remain poorly understood. This scoping review aims to synthesize evidence on HNUCs reported in the literature. Methods: A systematic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and APA PsycInfo was conducted through September 2024 to identify full-text studies published in English or German that report ..

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