Chris Dayson, Jo Painter and Ellen Bennett
This paper aims to identify the well-being outcomes of a social prescribing model set within a secondary mental health service recovery pathway and understand the key…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the well-being outcomes of a social prescribing model set within a secondary mental health service recovery pathway and understand the key characteristics of a social prescribing referral for producing these outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study of one mental health social prescribing service with three nested case studies of social prescribing providers. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with commissioners, providers and patients (n = 20) and analysed thematically.
Findings
Social prescribing makes a positive contribution to emotional, psychological and social well-being for patients of secondary mental health services. A key enabling mechanism of the social prescribing model was the supportive discharge pathway which provided opportunities for sustained engagement in community activities, including participation in peer-to-peer support networks and volunteering.
Research limitations/implications
More in-depth research is required to fully understand when, for whom and in what circumstances social prescribing is effective for patients of secondary mental health services.
Practical implications
A supported social prescribing referral, embedded within a recovery focussed secondary mental health service pathway, offers a valuable accompaniment to traditional approaches. Current social prescribing policy is focussed on increasing the number of link workers in primary care, but this study highlights the importance models embedded within secondary care and of funding VCSE organisations to receive referrals and provide pathways for long-term engagement, enabling positive outcomes to be sustained.
Originality/value
Social prescribing is widely advocated in policy and practice but there are few examples of social prescribing models having been developed in secondary mental health services, and no published academic studies that everybody are aware of.
Details
Keywords
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.