Social Prescriber Report
The social prescribing service was selected as a topic for further investigation by Healthwatch, primarily as the service represents a great opportunity to improve health and wellbeing of residents, and considerably reduce pressure on and better support primary care. We wanted to better understand how the service was working from a patient perspective and use the patient voice to shape the service’s ongoing improvement journey.
Key Findings:
Key Finding 1
There are low levels of awareness of social prescribing
62% of social prescribing patients had never heard of the social prescribing service before they used it.
Key Finding 2
Support and success varies for practical vs. medial issues
Social prescribing appears to be more impactful for individuals with practical issues, while more supplementary for those with long-term health needs.
Key Finding 3
Social Prescriber Link Workers provide a wealth of information and advice which is highly valuable and a key part of the services success
71% of social prescribing patients agree that their link worker offers a lot of information and advice to help with their problem.
Key Finding 4
Patients prefer face-to-face contact
While remote meetings with social prescribing link workers worked for some patients, others, including SPLWs, would have preferred more face-to-face contact. Options and preferences are important.
Key Finding 5
Social prescribing supports a reduction in patients using NHS services
48% of social prescribing patients said that they had reduced how often they were using NHS services since using the social prescribing service.
Key Finding 6
Social prescribing has positive effects on health and wellbeing
61% of social prescribing patients felt more in control of their life/life decisions; 57% felt more hopeful about their future and that their self-esteem and confidence have improved.
