Background
Social prescribing as an approach to addressing non-physical health-related concerns is gaining momentum in many countries and settings. This technical brief addresses the similarities and differences of social prescribing in three settings: in the community, primary care and hospitals. Decision makers and healthcare providers from these settings should gain an understanding of the concept of social prescribing and its implementation in different settings.

Methods
Using desk research, relevant documents were identified and prepared on the implementation of social prescribing in the three settings. In addition, three webinars were organised with international social prescribing experts from each of the three settings. The results of the webinars were incorporated into the technical brief and formed the basis for an expert workshop where 13 experts discussed the similarities and differences of social prescribing in the three settings. These were presented in tabular form to increase the clarity of presentation. The experts were invited to provide feedback on an initial draft of the report, which was then incorporated.

Results
Similarities and differences in the conceptualisation and implementation of social prescribing in community, primary care and hospital settings were described along the following dimensions:
•structured processes
•target groups and needs
•accessibility (differences only)
•identifiers and clinical engagement/awareness
•link working and link worker training
•referral systems and collaboration with community assets (network management)
•community development
•evidence, monitoring and evaluation

Conclusions
Social prescribing is a strongly value-based concept that is gaining a foothold in more and more countries. It is being implemented in different healthcare systems and settings. There is no single form of best or good practice implementation and implementation in one setting is not better than in another. Ideally, social prescribing is offered in all of these settings to reach people where they are seeking help.