Final published version
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Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Stakeholder views on addressing challenges to the implementation of social prescribing in the United Kingdom
AU - Rafiei, Sima
AU - Honary, Mahsa
AU - Mezes, Barbara
PY - 2024/10/11
Y1 - 2024/10/11
N2 - Objectives: This study aimed to understand the key barriers to successfully implementing Social Prescribing (SP) initiatives from different perspectives. Methods: An in-depth process evaluation using a multi-method qualitative design was conducted. Qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews (N = 23) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD’ N = 4). Twenty-three stakeholders took part in the study, including community support providers (n = 7), SP link workers (n = 6), service users (n = 6), NHS employees/referrals, and those who were involved in SP leadership and coordination (n = 4). MAXQDA Version 20.0 was used for management and data analysis. Results: We identified eight themes representing challenges for a successful implementation of a SP programme. The themes included (i) financial issues and sustainability, (ii) human resources challenges, (iii) partnership working challenges, (iv) inadequate and inconsistent implementation, (v) information system challenges, (vi) referral system issues, (vii) training and knowledge gaps, and (viii) accessibility and privacy concerns. Conclusion: Study findings provide insight for commissioners, providers, and link workers to guide the delivery of appropriate SP services by identifying a range of factors that hinder the successful implementation of the programme. Future policy, service development, and research should consider tackling these challenges and generating different ideas for potential solutions to address the root causes of problems.
AB - Objectives: This study aimed to understand the key barriers to successfully implementing Social Prescribing (SP) initiatives from different perspectives. Methods: An in-depth process evaluation using a multi-method qualitative design was conducted. Qualitative data was collected via semi-structured interviews (N = 23) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD’ N = 4). Twenty-three stakeholders took part in the study, including community support providers (n = 7), SP link workers (n = 6), service users (n = 6), NHS employees/referrals, and those who were involved in SP leadership and coordination (n = 4). MAXQDA Version 20.0 was used for management and data analysis. Results: We identified eight themes representing challenges for a successful implementation of a SP programme. The themes included (i) financial issues and sustainability, (ii) human resources challenges, (iii) partnership working challenges, (iv) inadequate and inconsistent implementation, (v) information system challenges, (vi) referral system issues, (vii) training and knowledge gaps, and (viii) accessibility and privacy concerns. Conclusion: Study findings provide insight for commissioners, providers, and link workers to guide the delivery of appropriate SP services by identifying a range of factors that hinder the successful implementation of the programme. Future policy, service development, and research should consider tackling these challenges and generating different ideas for potential solutions to address the root causes of problems.
KW - stakeholder
KW - implementation challenges
KW - social prescribing
KW - participatory method
KW - qualitative study
U2 - 10.3389/frhs.2024.1413711
DO - 10.3389/frhs.2024.1413711
M3 - Journal article
VL - 4
JO - Frontiers in Health Services
JF - Frontiers in Health Services
SN - 2813-0146
M1 - 1413711
ER -