2 - social prescribing Flashcards
importance of social prescribing
links primary care patients with non-medical sources of support in the local community
addresses social determinants of health, enhances community well-being and social inclusion
how does social prescribing work?
referral by GPs to programs in local community
treatment can be used alone, in conjunction with or while waiting for an appointment
most involve a link worker
examples of social prescribing
arts e.g. dance classes books e.g. novels or self-help reading educational programs exercise groups eco-programs e.g. nature walks time banks
aim of social prescribing
aims to support individuals to take greater control of their own health
why do we need social prescribing
increased demand for healthcare (growing and ageing population)
existing medical model does not address social determinants of health
NHS cannot afford current methods
why should we research social prescribing
no funding will be put behind it without evidence showing that it works
definition of social prescribing
a way of linking patients in primary care with sources of support within the community
recognising that health is affected by a variety of factors and needs to be addressed in a holistic way
what evidence is there to show social prescribing is effective
studies in Bristol have found improvements in quality of life and well-being and reduction in levels of anxiety and depression
studies in Rotherham have also found reductions in numbers of admissions to A&E and numbers frequently attending GPs
why is evidence for social prescribing limited
most studies are small and do not have a control group
most evidence is qualitative and relies on self-reporting
most studies relate to individual interventions rather than the social prescribing model
challenges faced when trying to implement social prescribing schemes
leadership –> lack of targeted project management of the schemes and robust risk management
limited resources –> availability of designated rooms in surgeries, lack of finances to recruit highly skilled individuals to run the session
patient engagement –> scepticism, lack of interest, fear of association with mental health, transport issues to prescribed services
oldest social prescribing project
Bromley by Bow Centre in London
what kind of people might benefit from social prescribing schemes
people with mild or long-term mental health problems
vulnerable groups
people who are socially isolated
those who frequently attend either primary or secondary health care
