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Working in social prescribing services: a qualitative study

Amy Beardmore (Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK)

Journal of Health Organization and Management

ISSN: 1477-7266

Article publication date: 5 November 2019

Issue publication date: 6 March 2020

565

Abstract

Purpose

Social prescribing (SP) is an emerging area of public health that has the potential to alleviate pressure on primary care by offering non-clinical solutions to health problems. Whilst there is an increasing body of literature exploring service design and impact, there is little research that focuses specifically on the SP workforce. The purpose of this paper is to explore routes into SP, worker’s experiences of the sector and potential career progression.

Design/methodology/approach

For this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight members of the SP workforce with varying levels of responsibility from within six different organisations in an urban/suburban area of South West England. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Pathways into the sector were varied, and those without direct experience often brought transferable skills from other professions. Careers in SP were clearly rewarding, and some providers had established good support structures for staff. However, some participants were in need of additional training in areas such as collaborative working and staff management. Staff working at a more senior level – particularly in community-based organisations – seemed less well supported overall, with limited career progression. Staff in such organisations also reported working beyond contractual hours.

Originality/value

This study has revealed inconsistencies between the experiences of staff in some community organisations vs those associated with larger, more established services. It has also highlighted a need for further training and capacity building in some areas. These findings may be of interest to those commissioning or funding SP services in the future.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This paper was supported by Dr Richard Kimberlee who provided insight and guidance that assisted the research.

Citation

Beardmore, A. (2020), "Working in social prescribing services: a qualitative study", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 40-52. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-02-2019-0050

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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