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Understanding the underlying mechanisms of action for successful implementation of social prescribing
Walker, Kate Griffiths, Chris Jiang, Harmony
Walker, Kate
Griffiths, Chris
Jiang, Harmony
Abstract
There is growing evidence for the use of social prescribing as a means of facilitating healthy lifestyle behavior changes by linking patients to sources of support in the community. However, there are gaps in understanding about what works to facilitate and enable this behavior change i.e. , the mechanisms of actions underpinning social prescribing delivery. This study used a qualitative approach involving interviews with 18 Social Prescription Link Workers (SPLWs). Reflective thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Through this, an overall theme of “Theoretical underpinning: Solution-focused and strengths-based” was identified. This was made up of sub-themes relating to mechanisms underpinning: the SPLWs’ role (comprising asking questions, motivational interviewing and the therapeutic alliance); the patients’ role, (empowerment and active engagement); and the approach adopted (solution building, goal and action orientated). To formalize this, a framework could be developed for SPLWs that encapsulates the solution-focused strengths-based approach for application within social prescribing. This framework can then be embedded into practice facilitating more successful healthy lifestyle behavior change for social prescribing patients.
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Date
2023
Type
Article
Subject
Prescriptions, Primary Health Care / organization & administration, Delivery of Health Care
Citation
Walker, K. , Griffiths, C. and Jiang, H. (2023) Understanding the Underlying Mechanisms of Action for Successful Implementation of Social Prescribing. Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 13, 41-56. doi: 10.4236/ojpm.2023.132004.
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Copyright © 2023 by author(s) and
Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
This work is licensed under the Creative
Commons Attribution International
License (CC BY 4.0).
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/