Public health
Getting the most out of social prescriber support
A qualitative systematic review drew together evidence on patient’s experiences of social prescribing in the UK. From 1269 papers identified across 6 databases, 19 papers were suitable for inclusion in the final analysis.
When activities matched participant’s needs, they felt empowered with the skills to cope with life challenges and were able to make sustained positive changes.
At times, non-clinical interventions recommended in social prescribing did not align with the patient’s needs or expectations, resulting in poor engagement/ outcomes. Patients lacking social support networks struggled to improve due to stressful living environments, domestic burdens and poverty, leading to feelings of isolation and discouragement.
WiseGP actions:
How are your appointments booked with a social prescriber? Is a patient’s readiness to engage assessed at the point of referral? When patients struggle to engage with social prescribing due to a stressful home environment, could your PCN Support Worker help? Perhaps they could be signposted to them first?
Consider reviewing how your PCN social prescribers negotiate an ending to interactions? Are patients given any guidance on next steps, to help them sustain change and feel ongoing support is there if needed?
Read more about the evidence informing this GEM here:
https://bjgp.org/content/early/2024/09/10/BJGP.2024.0179
Reducing inequalities in mental health outcomes through targeted non-pharmaceutical interventions
A systematic review of non-pharmaceutical primary care interventions for common mental health disorders identified 13 studies for inclusion (10 evaluated social prescribing interventions, 2 collaborative care and one a new model of care).
Wellbeing improved in groups that were socioeconomically deprived.
Inconsistent, mainly positive effects were reported for anxiety and depression.
One study reported that the least deprived population benefitted most from these interventions.
WiseGP actions:
Have you considered targeting the work of your social prescribers towards the most deprived populations in your practice?
Have a look at this WiseGP blog which shares the innovative work of a GP and their wider team in Slough, gathering data on the socioeconomic needs of their population to support interventions to improve their health and wellbeing. https://www.wisegp.co.uk/post/tackling-health-inequalities
Read more about the evidence informing this GEM here:
https://bjgp.org/content/73/729/e242
Getting our patients to be more active
Inactivity is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and poor mental health. We need to focus on motivating inactive patients to get moving. Parkrun has been an effective way to promote activity, with the community aspect and social connections made being particularly valued by slower runners and walkers.
WiseGP actions:
1. The RCGP set up the parkrun practice initiative to link GP surgeries with their local parkrun. Why not consider signing up your practice if you’re not already involved?
2. Invite your staff to join you in travelling to work by walking or cycling for a week and share your activity on your practice social media accounts to set an example to your community, improve the wellbeing of your practice staff and help the environment.
Read more about the evidence informing these suggestions here:
https://bjgp.org/content/72/722/414
