SOCIAL PRESCRIBING and supported self-management could play a greater role in radiation therapy and wider non-surgical oncology care, according to a scoping review that identified opportunities to improve support throughout the cancer care pathway.
Although both approaches form part of the NHS personalised care model and have demonstrated effectiveness in primary care, they have not yet been routinely integrated into radiation therapy. Social prescribing aims to address the psychological, psychosocial, and environmental factors that affect health and wellbeing, while supported self management helps patients develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to manage their health. With an estimated 53.5 million people worldwide living within 5 years of a cancer diagnosis, the researchers suggested these approaches could have broad relevance for patients experiencing the long term effects of cancer and its treatment.
The review searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Ultimate database, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses guidelines. Twelve studies from five countries met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists.
Three key themes emerged from the evidence. These included the needs and current clinical practice of healthcare professionals, the unmet needs experienced by patients, and existing strategies alongside future directions for care. Breast cancer was the most commonly represented diagnosis among the included studies, although the authors noted that the experiences and unmet needs of patients with other cancer types remain under explored.
The review identified several non-surgical oncology based social prescribing and supported self-management strategies that provided ongoing support from diagnosis through to living with and beyond cancer. The researchers highlighted that radiation therapists and other non-surgical oncology professionals are well placed to recommend these interventions but may require additional training to improve their knowledge and confidence.
A hybrid model combining online and in-person support was considered particularly effective because it increased accessibility and enabled patients to engage at a convenient time. The researchers also emphasised the importance of strengthening links between hospitals and primary care networks to provide continuity of support after treatment completion.
The review concluded that social prescribing and supported self-management should be introduced earlier in the cancer care pathway rather than being delayed until treatment has ended. Prioritising these interventions throughout non-surgical oncology care could help address individual patient needs and improve support during survivorship.
Reference
Casey E, Clarkson M. Social prescribing and supported self-management: a scoping review of the potential for implementation in non-surgical oncology services. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2026;57(5):102475.
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