The frontline of social prescribing – How do we ensure Link Workers can work safely and effectively within primary care?

Abstract

Objective To identify the training, skills and experience social prescribing Link Workers, working with patients presenting with long-term conditions, need to carry out their role safely and effectively within primary care services. Method Qualitative data were collected from Link Workers as part of the evaluation of three social prescribing schemes. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. Results Link Workers describe the complexity of the work and the need to define the boundaries of their role within existing services. Previous life and work experience were invaluable and empathy was seen as a key skill. A variety of training was valued with counselling skills felt to be most critical. Clinical supervision and support were felt to be essential to conduct the work safely. Discussion Social prescribing is a significant theme within UK health policy and internationally and schemes in primary care services are common. Patient accounts consistently suggest that the Link Worker is key to the success of the pathway. Link Workers can facilitate positive behaviour change; however they must be recruited, trained and supported with a clear understanding of the demands of this complex role.

Tensions and opportunities in social prescribing. Developing a framework to facilitate its implementation and evaluation in primary care: a realist review

“… 37 – 39 Likewise, link workers’ and community stakeholders’ previous life and work experience seems relevant in equipping them with valuable skills that facilitate SP delivery, such as knowledge of available initiatives, communication, and a person-centric approach. 40 Their level of vocation also increases the dedication and commitment towards the service. 41 …”

“…If general practice workers have significant 'buy-in' towards SP and believe that link workers and VCS organisation can play a role in addressing patients' needs, it is more likely that they will engage in collaborative work and undertake a holistic SP (37)(38)(39). Likewise, link workers' and community stakeholders' previous life and work experience seems relevant in equipping them with valuable skills that facilitate SP delivery, such as knowledge of available initiatives, communication and a person-centric approach (40). Their level of vocation also increases the dedication and commitment towards the service (41).…”

“…In order for learning to be purposeful and applicable to day-to-day work, it should combine the concrete and practical experience with discussion with peers (8). An environment offering supervision and peer support allow link workers, for instance, to discuss difficult patients and learn from challenging situations (40,41).…”

Social prescribing in general practice

“…5 However, this model of social prescribing inevitably comes at greater financial cost as link workers need to not only be employed, but trained and supported in a way that allows them to conduct their work safely and effectively. 6…”

“…It is therefore essential that all link workers are not only trained to deal with this eventuality, but are also provided with proper support in the form of clinical supervision, where they can discuss challenging patients and situations. 6 It is important for the sustainability of the service that feedback mechanisms are developed and maintained with all parties concerned. GPs need to know outcomes for patients or they will stop referring, and community organisations in particular can feel taken advantage of if they are not formally involved in the service.…”