We are delighted to have published a groundbreaking new study, providing the first comprehensive analysis of social prescribing across diverse referral pathways in the UK. The research examines the reach and implementation of social prescribing.
The study used data records provided by Access Elemental – a digital social prescribing platform used by health and social care professionals, community development workers and other service providers to keep track of social prescribing activities and their impact from the point of referral.
Elemental is currently the most widely adopted social prescribing platform in the UK. The solution is used by more than 20 million members of the public across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, involving over 37,500 health and care professionals and more than 4,400 social prescribers. To date, Elemental has recorded upwards of 2.1 million contacts between patients and social prescribing link workers, including over 438,000 referrals to community-based programmes, services, and interventions.
Prof Daisy Fancourt, lead author of the study, stated:
“There have been concerns that social prescribing is being given largely to people who are healthier and more affluent. But most previous studies have focused on small-scale local evaluation data or limited types of referrals like just those from GP practices.
Our study takes the first broad view of all types of referral pathways, including through primary care, social care, education, charities and self-referrals and shows a much more positive picture. Individuals living in deprived areas, younger adults, men, and ethnic minority groups are accessing the service predominantly via non-medical routes, showing the importance not just in investing in GP referrals but also in other diverse ways of referring these individuals to the community resources they could benefit from.”
Key Findings
The research shows the importance of non-medical referral routes in addressing inequalities in social prescribing. Prioritising these pathways could play a crucial role in promoting fair and impartial access to social prescribing services. Additionally, the research calls for increased financial and infrastructural resources, alongside strategic planning, to address the low intervention rates and ensure more effective social prescribing delivery.
- Mental Health Focus: Mental health is the primary reason for social prescribing referrals, accounting for approximately 34% of all cases, showcasing its significant relevance to psychiatrists and mental health professionals.
- Equitable Reach: Social prescribing through non-medical referral routes effectively reaches diverse socio-demographic groups, particularly those from deprived areas, younger adults, men, and ethnic minority groups.
- Intervention Gaps: Despite 90% of referrals leading to contact with a link worker, only 38% resulted in any intervention. This highlights a shortage in community activities and resources, especially those related to mental health, practical support, and social relationships.
- Implementation Variability: The study revealed substantial differences in how social prescribing is implemented across the UK in line with differing healthcare design and care needs. In Wales and Northern Ireland, for example, there are higher referrals for children and young people under the age of 18, and individuals from deprived backgrounds, while Scotland and Northern Ireland exhibit higher rates of interventions.
These key findings are detailed in the paper titled “Equal, equitable or exacerbating inequalities? Patterns and predictors of social prescribing referrals in 160,128 UK patients.“
Dr. Feifei Bu, co-author of the study, said:
“Addressing healthcare inequality is crucial and requires innovative approaches, with social prescribing standing out as a vital tool in this effort. Our research underscores that when effectively implemented, social prescribing can bridge gaps in traditional healthcare systems and reach those who are often left behind.”
Core20PLUS5 Integration
The findings of the study align with the NHS’s Core20PLUS5 approach, which aims to reduce health inequalities by focusing on the most deprived 20% of the population and five key clinical areas. The equitable reach of social prescribing to diverse socio-demographic groups, including those from deprived areas, demonstrates the potential of social prescribing to address health disparities highlighted in the Core20PLUS5 framework.
Leeann Monk-Ozgul, Operations Director and Co-Founder at Access Elemental, commented:
“By leveraging digital platforms like Access Elemental, we can ensure that non-medical referral routes are optimised to reach underserved communities, promoting equitable access to essential health and social care services. This study highlights the importance of targeted interventions and the need for consistent practices across regions.
At Access Health, Support and Care, we are committed to supporting the infrastructure and resource allocation necessary to maximize the impact of social prescribing, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the opportunity to benefit from these vital services.”
Recommendations
While the study demonstrates the power of social prescribing, Prof Daisy Fancourt, explained: “In order to achieve its full potential, social prescribing requires careful implementation and substantial resource support. This includes ensuring adequate funding, training for healthcare professionals, and the development of robust data systems to monitor and evaluate its impact. Only through these measures can we fully harness the benefits of social prescribing and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.”
Dr Feifei Bu, added: “By prioritising non-medical referral routes and ensuring adequate resources, we can make social prescribing more equitable and effective for all communities. Our research demonstrates that social prescribing can successfully reach diverse socio-demographic groups, including those from deprived areas and ethnic minority communities.”
Looking to the future, continued research and investment in social prescribing will be crucial to enhancing community resources and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, can benefit from these vital health interventions.
For more information or to request an interview with the study authors please get in touch: sbbresearch@ucl.ac.uk.
