Members of the Innovation Zones (Jill Mulholland, Dr Karen Galway, Dr Liam O’Hare and Dr Aideen Gildea), in collaboration with Dr Marcello Bertotti from the University of East London, have published a new article examining the role of Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs) in social prescribing.

This research builds on Jill’s PhD study, conducted within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s, which investigates the impact of referral mechanisms in connecting individuals to community-based support. The study is also part of the larger UK-wide, multi-site  Common Health Assets project involving Innovation Zones members and partners, including Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum and Oak Healthy Living Centre, as well 11 other community led organisations across the UK.

As part of the research, a scoping review was conducted, analysing 20 evidence sources to define the role of SPLWs within social prescribing. Thematic analysis identified four key themes that clarify the role and highlight areas for improvement in the referral process:

1. SPLW works in collaboration with the participant, to identify personal needs and goals, and monitors progress over time.
2. SPLW connects service users to community/statutory support.
3. SPLW views health in a holistic
4. The importance of training for SPLWs, and those referring into the system, to improve the referral process. 

This research contributes valuable insights into the evolving role of SPLWs and emphasises the need for continued improvements in social prescribing pathways.

The full article is available here.

Media

For more information contact Jill Mulholland (jmulholland18@qub.ac.uk)