Outputs from a realist evaluation on understanding the implementation of social prescribing link workers in primary care

study output background

Here are the outputs from a study exploring the implementation of social prescribing link workers in primary care. The project was a realist evaluation. It involved working with link workers based at seven different sites (geographical areas) across England. Researchers spent three weeks with each link worker – going to meetings with them, watching them interact with patients, with healthcare professionals and with voluntary-community organisations. During this time, researchers had a daily debrief with each link worker, inviting them to reflect on their working day. They also conducted interviews with 93 primary care/voluntary-community staff and 61 patients. Follow-up interviews were conducted with link workers and patients 9-12 months after they were first interviewed. 

papers produced from the study

Experiences of integrating social prescribing link workers into primary care in England: Bolting on, fitting in or belonging

“She’s Been a Rock”: The Function and Importance of “Holding” by Social Prescribing Link Workers in Primary Care in England—Findings from a Realist Evaluation

Patient buy-in to social prescribing through link workers as part of person-centred care: a realist evaluation

The consequences of micro-discretions and boundaries in the social prescribing link worker role in England: a realist evaluation

Study duration:

The study ran for 30 months and ended in January 2024.

funding

This research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (HS&DR Project: NIHR130247).

Views expressed are those of the authors of these outputs and not necessarily those of the funder or their host organisations.