A mixed methods investigation into GP attitudes and experiences of using social prescribing in their practice

Ajibade, Ashley; Storry, Victoria; Sewed, Charlotte; Hodgson, Jessica C.

Abstract

Aim
Social prescribing (SP) enables clinicians to signpost patients to non-medical services in the community in order to support their psycho-social needs. SP has been promoted as a positive service delivery model for primary and community care; however, there are few data on the views of doctors working in this area on the effectiveness of SP and its implementation.

Subject and methods
This study used a mixed methods approach to examine attitudes and experiences of general practitioners (GPs) on their use of SP. GPs completed an online survey (n  = 102), provided narrative written responses (n  = 55) and took part in semi-structured interviews on the topic (n = 8).

Results
Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 90% of respondents use SP in their practice, with significant factor loadings on six separate components. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes, which were then combined with the PCA components to derive overarching themes that underpin effective implementation of SP: (1) perceptions of effectiveness and efficacy of SP, (2) training and awareness, and (3) structure and operational delivery.

Conclusion
This study is one of the first to explore attitudes of doctors to SP. Whilst data shows that most respondents are supportive of SP in principle, the analysis also reveals that there are specific barriers that need to be overcome to enable effective implementation.

Citation

Ajibade, A., Storry, V., Sewed, C., & Hodgson, J. C. (2024). A mixed methods investigation into GP attitudes and experiences of using social prescribing in their practice. Journal of Public Health, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02306-y

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 27, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jun 18, 2024
• Publication Date: Jun 18, 2024
• Deposit Date: Jun 25, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 28, 2024
• Journal: Journal of Public Health
• Print ISSN: 0943-1853
• Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02306-y
• Keywords: Social prescribing; Primary care; Mixed methods; Attitudes; Healthcare delivery; General practice
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/36306981
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10389-024-02306-y