Social prescribing for patients of secondary mental health services: emotional, psychological and social well-being outcomes

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.

Exploring how and why social prescribing evaluations work: a realist review

“…Overall, 83 documents were included in this realist review (see figure 1). 1 2 5 8 9 21–24 26–29 32 47–114 Documents were split by methodology into four subcases, with representation from both the published and grey literature, although the majority of grey literature documents employed mixed methods (table 3). Generally, studies lacked in-depth descriptions of the evaluation processes and methods.…”

“…This theme was heavily supported; forty-two documents contributed to its’ development and it is split into two CMOCs 2 5 9 21–27 32 52–54 56 60–62 66 68 69 71 73 76 79–81 85–87 95 100–103 105–108 110 113 114…”

Social prescribing

“…Social prescribing services can be provided by the voluntary sector,2528 primary care practices acting as hubs for local community wellbeing,29 or by partnerships between health service commissioners and the voluntary sector 28…”

Voluntary sector interventions to address loneliness and mental health in older people: taking account of emotional, psychological and social wellbeing

“…The rationale for applying a broader understanding of mental health is supported by other research in this field which has highlighted the potential of voluntary sector led interventions to increase self-esteem and self-efficacy through development of support networks whilst also reducing symptoms of mental ill-health (11). Recent studies of social prescribing, for example, identify the contribution community-based interventions make to the emotional, social and psychological components of wellbeing (12); and how opportunities to meet and socialise in the community reduce social isolation and help improve confidence, self -esteem and mental health (13,14).…”