Social prescribing: A narrative review of how community engagement can improve wellbeing in later life

Bild, Elena; Pachana, Nancy A.

doi:10.1002/casp.2631

Cited by 18 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 104 publications

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“…Findings from the present review and numerous SP reviews of other health outcomes23 24 26 27 29 30 33 35 36 76 81 have clearly shown that the evidence was still insufficient and scientifically inconclusive to justify the recommendation reliably. Some immediate increases in physical activity and energy expenditure are noted in our study, but whether the benefits sustain post-trial is questionable.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 68%

Effectiveness of social prescribing for chronic disease prevention in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Htun

Teshale

Cumpston

et al. 2023

J Epidemiol Community Health

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BackgroundSocial prescribing (SP) enables healthcare professionals to link patients with non-medical interventions available in the community to address underlying socioeconomic and behavioural determinants. We synthesised the evidence to understand the effectiveness of SP for chronic disease prevention.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using five databases and two registries. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials of SP among community-dwelling adults recruited from primary care or community setting, investigating any chronic disease risk factors defined by the WHO (behavioural factors: smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol consumption; metabolic factors: raised blood pressure, overweight/obesity, hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia). Random effect meta-analyses were performed at two time points: completion of intervention and follow-up after trial.ResultsWe identified nine reports from eight trials totalling 4621 participants. All studies evaluated SP exercise interventions which were highly heterogeneous regarding the content, duration, frequency and length of follow-up. Majority of studies had some concerns for risk of bias. Meta-analysis revealed that SP likely increased physical activity (completion: mean difference (MD) 21 min/week, 95% CI 3 to 39, I2=0%; follow-up ≤12 months: MD 19 min/week, 95% CI 8 to 29, I2=0%). However, SP may not improve markers of adiposity, blood pressure, glucose and serum lipid. There were no eligible studies that primarily target unhealthy diet, smoking and excessive alcohol drinking behaviours.ConclusionsSP exercise interventions probably increased physical activity slightly; however, no benefits were observed for metabolic factors. Determining whether SP is effective in modifying the determinants of chronic diseases and promotes sustainable healthy behaviours is limited by the current evidence of quantification and uncertainty, warranting further rigorous studies.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022346687.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 68%

Effectiveness of social prescribing for chronic disease prevention in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Htun

Teshale

Cumpston

et al. 2023

J Epidemiol Community Health

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“…This linked directly to the second analytical theme identified in this study, whereby service users described social prescribing as producing an environment conducive to supporting personal change and development by addressing their holistic health needs and improving their self-confidence and social interactions. A social environment aimed at reducing loneliness and increasing a sense of social connectiveness has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, 26 , 45 with greater numbers of group connections positively impacting on quality of life. 46 Creating supportive environments for service users helps to build a sense of community, which can act as vital sources of peer support during fluctuations in mental health.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…24 These findings have been attributed to trusting relationships formed with link workers and the supportive environment created by services that receive referrals for social prescriptions, 10,[21][22][23][24][25] which enables the creation of a safe space for individuals to explore their current issues and build the skills to self-manage their health. 24,26 Social prescribing research has often used qualitative methods and the application of theory, such as Selfdetermination Theory 24 and Social identity Theory, 27 to develop a more robust evidence base on how and why social prescribing works. However, there is no universally agreed theoretical underpinning for social prescribing.…”

Section: Peer Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Service user perspectives on social prescribing services for mental health in the UK: a systematic review

Cooper

Flynn

Avery

et al. 2023

Perspect Public Health

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Aim: To thematically synthesise adult service users’ perspectives on how UK-based social prescribing services support them with their mental health management. Methods: Nine databases were systematically searched up to March 2022. Eligible studies were qualitative or mixed methods studies involving participants aged ⩾ 18 years accessing social prescribing services primarily for mental health reasons. Thematic synthesis was applied to qualitative data to create descriptive and analytical themes. Results: 51,965 articles were identified from electronic searches. Six studies were included in the review ( n = 220 participants) with good methodological quality. Five studies utilised a link worker referral model, and one study a direct referral model. Modal reasons for referral were social isolation and/or loneliness ( n = 4 studies). Two analytical themes were formulated from seven descriptive themes: (1) person-centred care was key to delivery and (2) creating an environment for personal change and development. Conclusions: This review provides a synthesis of the qualitative evidence on service users’ experiences of accessing and using social prescribing services to support their mental health management. Adherence to principles of person-centred care and addressing the holistic needs of service users (including devoting attention to the quality of the therapeutic environment) are important for design and delivery of social prescribing services. This will optimise service user satisfaction and other outcomes that matter to them.

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“…SP is recognised by NHS England as a key component of ‘Universal Personalised Care’ and is endorsed for a wide range of situations such as long-term conditions, social issues and mental health needs (https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/). A recent review of SP in later life found evidence of increased social connections, improvements in self-management and health status including mental health and well-being 4. SP can have benefits for quality of life and healthcare utilisation5; however, the predominant focus is on adults and in the community.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Social prescribing for children and young people with neurodisability and their families initiated in a hospital setting: a systematic review

Gordon,

Basu

2023

BMJ Open

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ObjectivesSocial prescribing (SP) is a non-medical intervention in which professionals refer patients to a link worker (LW), who connects them with appropriate support. Children and young people (CYP) with neurodisability often have unmet needs and may bypass community initiatives. We undertook a review of hospital-initiated SP for CYP with neurodisability.DesignSystematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance and using Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.Data sourcesMedline, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and FutureNHS, searched from 1 January 2000 to 19 October 2023, with no language restrictions.Eligibility criteriaStudies describing SP interventions for CYP (ages 0–25 years) with neurodisability/neurodivergence. Exclusions: interventions outside of secondary care; with no description; or no LW.Data extraction and synthesisTwo researchers independently screened references. Data were charted, summarised, quality assessments performed and narratively reviewed.ResultsAfter removal of duplicates, 518 references were identified. Following screening, eight articles (covering five SP schemes) were included. Rahiet alconnected 68 families of CYP newly diagnosed with visual impairment to a community LW. Families needed information about social and educational services, and emotional support. Healthcare professionals had more time for clinical issues. Six papers described three different digital interventions supporting in total 86 CYP with traumatic brain injury and their families. Wadeet al(2004, 2005a, 2005b) provided a website with core and individualised sessions, and weekly therapist support. Wadeet al(2018) provided a smartphone application, website and weekly meetings with an online coach. These interventions boosted social behaviours. Wadeet al(2014, 2015) found that online family problem-solving therapy improved overall child functioning compared with self-guided resources. Toutainet al(2009) provided non-medical support to 11 children with fetal alcohol syndrome and their mothers. No outcome data were provided. Studies reported benefits to health, well-being, healthcare usage, knowledge, skills, satisfaction and service delivery.ConclusionLiterature describing hospital-initiated SP schemes for CYP with neurodisability, while sparse, suggests potential benefit.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42022384188.

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Social prescribing: A narrative review of how community engagement can improve wellbeing in later life

Cited by 18 publications

References 104 publications

Effectiveness of social prescribing for chronic disease prevention in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Effectiveness of social prescribing for chronic disease prevention in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Service user perspectives on social prescribing services for mental health in the UK: a systematic review

Social prescribing for children and young people with neurodisability and their families initiated in a hospital setting: a systematic review

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