Reimagining dementia care: A complex intervention systematic review on optimising social prescribing (SP) for people living with dementia (PLWD) in the United Kingdom

Introduction: Dementia is a complex medical condition that poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and support services. People living with dementia (PLWD) often face complex needs, exacerbated by social isolation and difficulty accessing support. Social prescribing (SP) has been increasingly integrated into the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) as a means to connect individuals with non-clinical services to address these challenges. However, current research provides limited detail on specific SP interventions tailored to dementia care, leaving gaps in understanding the targeted needs, participation drivers, effectiveness and potential benefits for PLWD. Methods: A complex intervention systematic review of SP in dementia care was performed in the United Kingdom using an iterative logic model approach. Six databases and grey literature were searched, supplemented by hand searching for reference lists of included studies. Results were screened in a two-step process, followed by data extraction. Risk of bias was assessed using Gough's Evidence of Framework. Reporting was informed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-CI) extension statement and checklist. Results: Forty-nine studies, reporting on PLWD, met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that SP for PLWD in the United Kingdom is varied and lacks focus, reflecting the diverse demographics involved. Interventions encompass cognitive, educational, psychosocial, physical, community and complementary therapies, of inconsistent classification, with some being umbrella interventions and others standalone services. Provided by the NHS, charities and integrated services, SP involves a range of referrers and connectors. Finally, individual outcomes show benefits such as increased independence and improved mood, but challenges pertaining to suitability and logistical issues, whereas systemic outcomes include cost savings and better service delivery, despite high implementation costs. Conclusion: SP pathways for PLWD are varied, with success relying heavily on adequately resourced and trained connectors. While benefits extend beyond health improvements, further research is needed to assess long-term impacts, refine mechanisms and standardise evaluation metrics for SP effectiveness in dementia care. Patient and Public Contributions: A PPI advisory group, consisting of a person living with dementia and a caregiver, was actively involved throughout the review process, providing insights into the review questions, the logic model, emerging findings and interpretation of results.