The benefits of social prescribing.

Abstract

There are two reasons why promoting wellbeing should be prioritised. Firstly medical advances have secured ever-increasing life expectancy so that for those aged over 65 years there has been an upwards trend in life expectancy since the 1980s (Public Health England (PHE), 2015). Both males and females in all English regions are living longer, although there are variations in life expectancy. However, many of those living longer have long-term conditions and are in poor health, where their quality of life is compromised. Thus, the second reason for promoting wellbeing is the importance of enhancing quality of life so that life extension includes a meaningful life which has quality. It also seems that promoting wellbeing is a preventative intervention for those with longterm conditions, and helps prevent further health deterioration; thereby avoiding the need for costly medical or specialist interventions (Dayson et al, 2013). Social prescribing involves primary care connecting individuals and their carers with local non-medical sources of support. In the Rotherham Pilot Project general practices referred their patients to voluntary or community projects, which were supported by grant funding to increase their capacity to respond as needed. The services most frequently accessed comprised: community-based activities, information and advice, befriending and community transport. Remarkably, it seems that the Rotherham Pilot Project (Dayson and Bashir, 2014) had numerous benefits, both for the individuals and their carers, and also the wider health econo my. The individuals became more independent and able to access the support of the voluntary and community projects and required less intensive support. The individuals also became better at managing their health conditions, with both the individuals and their carers reporting being less socially isolated. The evidence after 1 year also indicated a significant reduction in hospital usage in terms of hospital admissions, hospital out-patient appointments and attendance at A&E departments. Additionally, 83% of those receiving social prescribing reported at least one positive change, which included feeling positive, improved lifestyle, improved self-care, improved management of symptoms, improved engagement in activities including work and social groups and improved finances through wider access to welfare benefits. In addition to the social benefits, the evaluation reported economic benefits in terms of cost reductions in return for the invest ment in the local services suggesting that all costs would be recovered within 18–24 months. Echoing the value of social engagement to health and wellbeing, Steffens et al’s (2016) report of a longitudinal study of matched samples transitioning into retirement indicated that group membership, and the social engagement that such membership offers, was related to a better quality of life and a reduced risk of dying. The beneficial effect was similar to that of physical activity. They have recommended that retirement planning should include social planning alongside financial planning for the life change so that retirees continue to feel a sense of purpose and belonging. This has relevance both for community nurses on the cusp of retirement, as well as for their clients.