Exploring the enablers and barriers to social prescribing for people living with long-term neurological conditions: a focus group investigation

Suzanne Simpson,Moira Furlong,Clarissa Giebel

doi:10.1186/s12913-021-07213-6

Abstract

BackgroundPeople living with Long Term Neurological Conditions (LTNCs) value peer support and social activities. Psychological support and wellbeing enables them to manage their condition. Social prescribing is a formal process of referring patients to a link worker to co-design a plan to improve their health and wellbeing. Intervention involves supporting participation in activities based within the individual’s local community. This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to accessing social prescribing for people living with LTNCs (plwLTNCs).MethodsA total of four focus groups were carried out with 17 participants, including different neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Fragile X Syndrome, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. Two participants were family carers and supported people living with epilepsy and motor neurone disease. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFive themes were identified: (1) Lack of knowledge; (2) Service provision difficulties; (3) Benefits of social prescribing activities; (4) Physical barriers and (5) Psychological barriers. There was a lack of knowledge about social prescribing and what it actually was. Participants anticipated service provision difficulties relating to funding, link workers need for knowledge of LTNC’s and for activities to be varied and individualised. The potential benefits of social prescribing activities were recognised across the groups especially its potential to tackle loneliness and to offer plwLTNC’s purpose. Participants highlighted a number of physical barriers such as transport and accessibility; and psychological barriers such as anxiety and stigma.ConclusionSocial prescribing aims to address the health inequalities of those living with long-term conditions, however currently it is likely to exclude plwLTNCs. Recommendations for practice and future research are made.

Highlights

There are an estimated 14.7 million neurological cases in England, equating to at least 1 in 6 people living with one or more neurological condition [1]
The findings of this study suggest GPs and health professionals are not consistently referring people living with Long Term Neurological Conditions (LTNCs) to social prescribing and the reasons for this should be explored
This study emphasises the need to consider the whole system and how social prescribing can be framed to meet the needs of plwLTNC

Summary

Introduction

There are an estimated 14.7 million neurological cases in England, equating to at least 1 in 6 people living with one or more neurological condition [1]. In 2018 the Neurological Alliance GP survey revealed that 19% of patients living with a neurological condition had had an unplanned admission to hospital in a period of 12 months, which is twice the rate for all people with a long-term condition (9.8%) [3]. People living with neurological conditions have the lowest health related quality of life of any long-term condition and deaths are 35% more likely to be premature [4]. Data produced by NHS RightCare (2019) suggests there is a substantial financial savings opportunity in relation to reducing emergency admissions and bed days for people living with neurological conditions [5]. People living with Long Term Neurological Conditions (LTNCs) value peer support and social activities. This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to accessing social prescribing for people living with LTNCs (plwLTNCs)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion