Knowledge Hub
Welcome to the central place to learn about social prescribing and SPAN UAE’s work. Discover our resources, evidence-based research, and the impact of community connections.
Featured International Insights
Highlighting key research, policy reports, and thought leadership selected by SPAN UAE and its partners, fostering innovation in the future of healthcare.
This large international study maps the global evidence base for social prescribing, demonstrating its broad impact on patient wellbeing and healthcare systems. Across 13 countries, researchers identified improvements in mental health, lifestyle behaviours, social connection and healthcare use. The findings reinforce social prescribing as a growing global model for addressing the social determinants of health.
​Social Prescribing Outcomes: Mapping Review (2023)
​NASP Evidence Report – Impact on Health Systems
​Evidence from the UK’s National Academy for Social Prescribing highlights the system-level impact of social prescribing programmes. Studies show reductions in unnecessary GP visits and hospital admissions, alongside improvements in wellbeing and community engagement. These findings demonstrate the potential of social prescribing to strengthen healthcare systems while addressing social determinants of health.
​BMJ Open Realist Review of Social Prescribing (2022)
​This large-scale realist review synthesised 83 evaluations of social prescribing programmes worldwide. It explores how social prescribing works in different healthcare contexts and identifies the mechanisms that lead to successful outcomes. The study contributes to the development of global frameworks for evaluating social prescribing programmes.
Social Prescribing in the MENA region
Document Title
Category
Year
Journal Article
2025
Upcoming Events
April-june 2026
Sit-talk-connect : Social Prescribing in the UAE
​A relaxed coffee meetup bringing together physicians, community leaders and healthcare professionals interested in social prescribing. Join us to learn about the movement, exchange ideas and explore how social prescribing can grow in the UAE.