Pauline Lambell, Anne Cooper, Sam Hoyles, Sally‐Ann Pygall and Alicia O’Cathain
Three written scenarios, based on paediatric fever, with expected outcomes of self‐care (scenario 1), GP routine care (scenario 2) and urgent care (scenario 3), were presented to…
Abstract
Three written scenarios, based on paediatric fever, with expected outcomes of self‐care (scenario 1), GP routine care (scenario 2) and urgent care (scenario 3), were presented to 100 nurse advisors working in NHS Direct, the 24‐hour nurse‐led telephone helpline. Nurse advisors used one of three types of computerised decision support software to determine an outcome for each scenario, and in addition offered self‐care advice. There was variation between nurses in the outcomes for each scenario: 80 per cent of nurse advisors recommended self‐care only for scenario 1, 51 per cent recommended GP routine care for scenario 2, and 88 per cent recommended urgent care for scenario 3. Similar variations were found for the self‐care advice.
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Alexis Kilgarriff-Foster and Alicia O'Cathain
Social prescribing are short-term intermediary services that facilitate patients with psychosocial needs to engage in non-clinical support. However, little is known about the…
Abstract
Purpose
Social prescribing are short-term intermediary services that facilitate patients with psychosocial needs to engage in non-clinical support. However, little is known about the components and potential impact of social prescribing. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
A review was conducted to explore the evidence based on social prescribing including mapping its key components and potential impact. Database, internet and hand searching was utilised to identify relevant studies. Data extraction and narrative analysis was undertaken to explore the issues.
Findings
In total, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies were diverse in their methodologies and the services evaluated. Stakeholders such as general practitioners and patients perceived that social prescribing increased patients’ mental well-being and decreased health service use. However, the quantitative evidence supporting this was limited. The only randomised-controlled trial showed a decrease in symptoms and increase in functional well-being at four months. The other non-controlled designs had large drop-out rates limiting their value in determining effectiveness.
Research limitations/implications
Further research is needed on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of social prescribing using robust evaluative designs.
Originality/value
This is the first review of generic social prescribing services focusing on the general evidence base.