Work

OA20198 Digital Social Prescribing: A Pilot Tool to Enhance Interoperability in Community and Social Care Services

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Fragmentation of social services in Greece has long hindered effective access to goods, benefits, and support for vulnerable populations. The lack of integration and interoperability across providers creates inefficiencies, unmet needs, and barriers for citizens relying on the social protection system. Social prescribing, understood as linking individuals to community-based resources, offers a promising pathway to bridge health, social, and welfare sectors. This study aims to design and implement a digital tool that will promote coordination between services, enhance interoperability, and ultimately improve access to social protection for beneficiaries across Greece. Methods The project will be implemented in several stages. First, existing social protection services at local, regional, and national levels will be mapped to identify overlaps, gaps, and accessibility challenges. At the same time, a needs assessment will be carried out through surveys and focus groups with social service users, providers, and policymakers to capture perspectives on barriers, unmet needs, and priorities for integration. Based on this knowledge base, a digital platform will be designed to connect services and provide real-time recording, monitoring, and evaluation of service provision, while also building a dynamic database of social needs and service utilization. The tool will be pilot-tested in selected municipalities, allowing iterative improvements based on user experience, interoperability performance, and stakeholder feedback. Results The study is expected to deliver a functional digital platform that will strengthen coordination among social services, improve referral pathways, and enable data-driven decision-making. The database of social needs and utilization trends will generate actionable insights to guide policy, improve equity, and ensure that vulnerable populations are better supported. Conclusions By enhancing collaboration across sectors and reducing fragmentation, this project will contribute to the development of a sustainable social prescribing model for Greece, aligned with European Union strategies on digital transformation of health and social care Key Messages • Digital innovation in social prescribing can reduce fragmentation and create more equitable access to social protection services in Greece. • Mapping, stakeholder engagement, and interoperable platforms are essential steps for building resilient and responsive social support systems. Topic social prescribing; service integration; interoperability; Greece; digital tool; social protection.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf165.025

Authors: M Kataki, M Papadakaki, E Tsiknakis, J Chliaoutakis

Institution: Hellenic Mediterranean University

Language: English

Topic: E-Government and Public Services

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,181