Social prescribing in Hammersmith and Fulham

Healthwatch Hammersmith and Fulham undertook research on social prescribing as the service represents a great opportunity to improve health and wellbeing of residents, and considerably reduce pressure on and better support primary care. They wanted to better understand how the service was working from a patient perspective and use the patient voice to shape the service’s ongoing improvement journey. They spoke to patients, social prescribing link workers and general resident engagement, reaching 55 people.

There are low levels of awareness of social prescribing.  Over three in five social prescribing patients had never heard of the social prescribing service before they used it.

Social prescribing appears to be more impactful for individuals with practical issues, while more supplementary for those with long-term health needs.

Social Prescriber Link Workers provide a wealth of information and advice which is highly valuable and a key part of the services success.  Over seven in ten social prescribing patients agree that their link worker offers a lot of information and advice to help with their problem.

While remote meetings with social prescribing link workers worked for some patients, others would have preferred more face-to-face contact. Options and preferences are important.

Social prescribing supports a reduction in patients using NHS services.  Nearly half of social prescribing patients said that they had reduced how often they were using NHS services since using the social prescribing service.

Social prescribing has positive effects on health and wellbeing.  Over three in five social prescribing patients felt more in control of their life/life decisions; 57% felt more hopeful about their future and that their self-esteem and confidence have improved.