Social prescribing could empower patients to address non-medical problems in their lives

Author(s)

NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH RESEARCH

Publisher(s):

National Institute for Health Research

Publication year:

2020

This NIHR Alert reports on a review carried out by researchers on the NIHR Evidence Synthesis Working Group to understand how GP social prescribing schemes work and when they are most effective. Researchers reviewed 118 documents evaluating social prescribing schemes and the link worker role in the UK. They found social prescribing schemes increase patients’ confidence, motivation and the skills to manage their own wellbeing - which may reduce their reliance on GPs. These positive outcomes were only achieved when patients, GPs and healthcare managers were clear about the value of social prescribing schemes and when link workers had sufficient time and resources to form a connection with patients, with the voluntary/community sector and with healthcare staff. (Edited publisher abstract)