Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2025
Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Experiences of social prescribing in the UK: a qualitative systematic review
Nur Hidayati Handayani1, Marta Wanat1, Stephanie Tierney1
1Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford.
Background:
Social prescribing connects patients to resources or activities to meet their non-medical needs. In the UK, it is often implemented in primary care. In the social prescribing pathway, patients are directed to link workers to identify suitable solutions for their needs such as art workshops or welfare benefit guidance. Social prescribing marks a notable transition from traditional medical treatments to more comprehensive strategies focusing on holistic health and wellbeing. Insights from patient experiences can improve the development of social prescribing to better meet their needs. This understanding can aid in improving the delivery and outcomes of social prescribing.
Aim:
To synthesise qualitative research on the experiences of social prescribing among patients in the UK.
Design And Setting:
Qualitative systematic review using thematic synthesis for peer-reviewed studies that focused on experiences of users of social prescribing in the UK.
Method:
An exhaustive search was performed in six databases: ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Social Sciences Citation Index via Web of Science. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for qualitative research was used for quality assessment and the PRISMA 2020 checklist was used to ensure the report transparency.
Results:
Titles and abstracts of 1269 studies were screened. In total, 85 studies were full-text screened, and 19 studies were included in the review. Five analytical themes were developed from these studies: a) searching for hope in times of adversity; b) variability in temporal responsiveness; c) sustained change from a positive response; d) feeling supported and empowered by the social prescribing pathway; and e) misalignment producing no response.
Conclusion:
Patients might experience lasting advantages from social prescribing if it aligns with their needs and expectations. Results highlighted the importance of matching social prescribing referral with patients' readiness to engage. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals evaluate patient suitability before beginning a social prescribing referral.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:30Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
00:52Social Proof