Social prescribing as a tool for integrated care-insights from a cross-sectional study with German general practitioners

INTRODUCTION: Social prescribing (SP), a patient-centered approach integrating non-medical interventions into primary care to address social determinants of health, is relatively unknown in Germany. This study explores German general practitioners' (GPs) awareness and perspectives on SP to assess its potential integration into healthcare. 

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among German GPs evaluated their familiarity with SP, perceived effectiveness, willingness to adopt it, and potential barriers to implementation. Surveys were analyzed using descriptive and interferential statistics. With a response rate of 7.9% 101 questionnaires were completed. 

RESULTS: Most GPs were unfamiliar with the term SP, yet the majority expressed willingness to adopt it and some had already engaged in SP-related activities, even if unknowingly. GPs often encountered social issues such as mental strain, workplace-related stress, caregiving for relatives, and loneliness, which they believed could be effectively addressed through SP. SP usage significantly influenced perceived benefits and barriers, including the lack of time during consultations, lack of knowledge about referral structures and funding additional workforce. Almost all viewed it as beneficial for improving patient care, with most preferring outsourcing SP. GPs practicing in towns with a population under 5,000 were significantly more likely to adopt SP compared to the broader sample. 

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Participating GPs are largely supportive of SP and believe it has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce strain on the healthcare system, but lack practical implementation. We believe that future initiatives should focus on educating healthcare providers and integrating SP into primary care policies to maximize its impact on healthcare sustainability and equity.