In the first of a series of blogs and case studies about social prescribing and long-term conditions, NASP’s Gráinne Nolan looks at the potential opportunities for the future.
For example, the Ways to Wellness Programme for Long Term Conditions in Newcastle has supported thousands of people with a range of conditions through social prescribing since 2015. Their analysis suggests that 86% of their clients improved their wellbeing after engaging with the programme, and secondary care costs per patient were estimated to be 27% lower than a comparison cohort.
Through the well-established Arts on Prescription programme in Gloucestershire, a consortium of organisations deliver NHS-commissioned creative health programmes for people living with a range of conditions - including Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, COPD, cancer and chronic pain. The programme supports recovery and self-management, including for people being discharged from inpatient care. Evidence shows improvements in wellbeing and reductions in anxiety and depression.
How does social prescribing help? 
Social prescribing can help prevent conditions from developing or worsening, and also support people to manage them, by giving people more choice, with a range of options to choose from.
We know that there is strong evidence for the benefits of physical activity in particular for people living with conditions such as cancer, dementia, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory problems. However, simply asking someone to do more exercise, or entering them into a programme that they don’t feel is right for them, is unlikely to be effective.
For patients who do not engage with standard NHS cardiac interventions in a community hospital, a forest-based course might be more appealing. Patients who do not attend a standard pulmonary rehab course might attend a singing for breathing intervention in a local heritage venue, because of the feelgood factor of singing and seeing other people.
Social prescribing can also provide a practical way of tackling health inequalities, by identifying barriers to recovery and helping people to overcome these – for example, through financial support or adaptations to the home. Link workers have the time to understand a patient’s circumstances and connect them to advice and support, aid attendance at medical appointments, and help people navigate the services they are referred to.
Through proactive social prescribing programmes, they can also reach out to people with long term conditions who are at high risk of non-elective hospital admissions or who may be isolated as a result of their condition.
As we look ahead to the next ten years of our health system, we clearly need to explore innovative approaches that help people stay healthy for longer. By integrating social prescribing into pathways for long-term conditions, we can help patients feel more supported and be more active, based on their individual circumstances and preferences. The benefits for individuals, our health system and society as a whole could be huge.
Gráinne Nolan is NASP’s Deputy Director for Innovation and Partnerships
We are keen to hear from innovative projects that support people living with long-term conditions – including those that use physical activity, nature, arts and creativity and heritage. Please email [email protected] if you would like to share your work.