Understanding the effectiveness and mechanisms of a social prescribing service: a mixed method analysis

Abstract

BackgroundEvidence of the effectiveness of social prescribing is inconclusive causing commissioning challenges. This research focusses on a social prescribing scheme in Northern England which deploys ‘Wellbeing Coordinators’ who offer support to individuals, providing advice on local groups and services in their community. The research sought to understand the outcomes of the service and, in addition, the processes which supported delivery.MethodsQuantitative data was gathered from service users at the point they entered the service and also at the point they exited. Qualitative interviews were also undertaken with service users to gather further understanding of the service and any positive or negative outcomes achieved. In addition, a focus group discussion was also conducted with members of social prescribing staff to ascertain their perspectives of the service both from an operational and strategic perspective.ResultsIn total, 342 participants provided complete wellbeing data at baseline and post stage and 26 semi-structured qualitative interviews were carried out. Improvements in participants’ well-being, and perceived levels of health and social connectedness as well as reductions in anxiety was demonstrated. In many cases, the social prescribing service had enabled individuals to have a more positive and optimistic view of their life often through offering opportunities to engage in a range of hobbies and activities in the local community. The data on reductions in future access to primary care was inconclusive. Some evidence was found to show that men may have greater benefit from social prescribing than women. Some of the processes which increased the likelihood of success on the social prescribing scheme included the sustained and flexible relationship between the service user and the Wellbeing Coordinator and a strong and vibrant voluntary and community sector.ConclusionsSocial prescribing has the potential to address the health and social needs of individuals and communities. This research has shown a range of positive outcomes as a result of service users engaging with the service. Social prescribing should be conceptualised as one way to support primary care and tackle unmet needs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3437-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of social prescribing to address loneliness: A mixed methods evaluation of a national social prescribing programme

“…Two-thirds of service-users were female; reflecting existing research that women are more likely to seek support for loneliness (Vandervoort, 2012). Woodall et al (2018) suggested males experience greater benefits from social prescribing than females, however, this study did not identify any differences between genders in respect of changes in loneliness. Service-users under 50 years old appeared to be more likely to experience improvements in loneliness;…”

Using self-determination theory to understand the social prescribing process: a qualitative study

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Combining the Digital, Social and Physical Layer to Create Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

“…The person or role prescribing the service can differ from country to country as well as within one country depending on the organisation. Prescribed activities can fall within ‘social’, ‘physical’ or ‘economic’ categories [ 24 ] and aim to improve self-care within the community [ 25 ]. The literature describes the characteristics of social prescription, stakeholders and models of delivery [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

“…Prescribed activities can fall within ‘social’, ‘physical’ or ‘economic’ categories [ 24 ] and aim to improve self-care within the community [ 25 ]. The literature describes the characteristics of social prescription, stakeholders and models of delivery [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Accordingly, the health client journey involves general practitioners working with health clients to determine their level of wellbeing and social interests.…”

“…The literature shows promising evidence to the benefits of social prescribing, primarily in the United Kingdom [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ] and in Canada [ 27 ]. Social prescribing can involve a variety of activities designed to support people with a wide range of social, emotional or practical needs.…”