Social prescribing

Healthwatch Bromley decided to investigate how social prescribing was working in 2022 – 2023 following feedback from the public. They surveyed the public and primary care professionals, and interviewed social prescribing link workers, reaching 146 people in total.

Approximately half of respondents said their overall experience was either 5 (Excellent) or 4 (Good). When asked why they were referred to a social prescriber, the main reason was mental health issues, including depression, caring responsibilities, posttraumatic stress disorder and mental breakdown. People said that the primary benefit of social prescribing is the time that social prescribing link workers can devote to them. Several people felt the social prescribing service should be better publicised.

The majority of respondents are still new to the service, and raising awareness about social prescribing within the community would be beneficial. Some respondents mentioned that less than positive staff attitudes and professionalism contributed to a poor experience when accessing the service. They felt that good communication is key to success and would like to have had more meetings in person with their social prescribing link workers.

The majority of respondents said waiting times were the main concern for them. This comment relates both to waiting for the initial social prescribing link workers contact and being signposted by a social prescribing link worker to another service. Respondents to the primary care professionals survey said that extra contact time and the ability to help promote healthy lifestyles and good mental health are the main benefits of social prescribing.

Almost all primary care professionals said that social prescribing could be improved by increasing the number of social prescribing link workers and that patients feel better heard and understood by discussing their non-medical needs with them.

The research indicates a lack of information and awareness within some GP practices and primary care networks (PCNs) about the role of the social prescribing link workers the benefits of social prescribing.

The social prescribing link worker interviews identified the top five issues with which people ask for support as: housing, isolation, caring responsibilities, emotional wellbeing and benefits. A majority of social prescribing link workers expressed their satisfaction with their social prescriber lead who provides a lot of support with training and resources. Social prescribing link workers believe their service benefits not only the patient but also the community and the health care system. Social prescribing could be improved by greater awareness within PCNs and GP practices and encouraging patients to attend their annual health checks.

The report contains 11 recommendations for the South East London Integrated Care Board, PCNs, and social prescribing link workers.