What is Social Prescribing | Building the Evidence Base

HSE Social Prescribing in Ireland: Building the Evidence Base!

Social prescribing is an innovative approach in healthcare that connects individuals to non-medical community supports to enhance their health and well-being. In Ireland, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has been expanding social prescribing services, recognising its potential to address social determinants of health. However, as this model gains traction, robust research is essential to validate its effectiveness and inform its integration into the healthcare system.

Why Research Matters in Social Prescribing

HSE Social Prescribing in Ireland: Building the Evidence Base a Webinar Launch of Social Prescribing Evaluability Study 2020

1. Assessing Impact and Effectiveness

Comprehensive research allows for the evaluation of social prescribing's outcomes on individuals and communities. By systematically collecting data on health improvements, mental well-being, and social engagement, we can determine the tangible benefits of these interventions. A study published in BMJ Open highlighted the limited evidence supporting social prescribing's effectiveness, emphasising the need for more rigorous evaluations. Read more: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/news-and-events/news/news-article/2022/10/research-shows-limited-evidence-to-support-social-prescribing

2. Informing Policy and Funding Decisions
Evidence-based research provides the foundation for policy development and resource allocation. Empirical data can demonstrate the value of social prescribing and influence policymakers to support and fund these services. The HSE's commitment to expanding social prescribing underscores the importance of building a solid evidence base to guide these efforts. Read more: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/our-priority-programmes/mental-health-and-wellbeing/social-prescribing/

3. Enhancing Service Delivery
Research identifies best practices and areas for improvement in service delivery. By understanding which components of social prescribing are most effective, programs can be tailored to better meet the needs of diverse populations. A survey of social prescribing services in Ireland revealed variations in evaluation practices, suggesting a need for standardised measures to assess outcomes consistently. Read more: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10815325/

4. Addressing Challenges and Barriers
Research uncovers challenges and barriers to effective implementation, such as limited access to services in rural areas or stigma associated with seeking support. Identifying these issues through research enables the development of targeted strategies to overcome them, ensuring equitable access to social prescribing services across Ireland. Read more: https://www.socialjustice.ie/article/social-prescribing-day-2024

Current Research Efforts in Ireland

The HSE has proactively promoted research to build the evidence base for social prescribing. Initiatives include:
Evaluability Assessments: Conducting assessments to determine the readiness of social prescribing programs for evaluation and to identify appropriate outcome measures.
Collaborations: Partnering with academic institutions and community organisations to conduct comprehensive studies on the effectiveness of social prescribing interventions.
Standardisation: Developing frameworks to standardise data collection and outcome measurement across social prescribing services to facilitate comparative analyses.

The Future of Social Prescribing Research

As social prescribing continues to evolve in Ireland, ongoing research will be crucial in:
Demonstrating Value: Providing empirical evidence of the benefits of social prescribing to individuals and the healthcare system.
Guiding Expansion: Informing the scaling up of services to ensure they are effective, efficient, and responsive to community needs.
Ensuring Sustainability: Building a robust evidence base to secure long-term funding and policy support for social prescribing initiatives.

In conclusion, investing in research is vital for the continued development and integration of social prescribing within Ireland's healthcare system. By building a strong evidence base, we can ensure that social prescribing effectively improves health outcomes and addresses social determinants of health.