scholarly journals Exploring the enablers and barriers to social prescribing for people living with long-term neurological conditions: a focus group investigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Simpson ◽  
Moira Furlong ◽  
Clarissa Giebel
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Psychological Barriers ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Abstract Background People living with Long Term Neurological Conditions (LTNCs) value peer support and social activities. Psychological support and wellbeing enables them to manage their condition. Social prescribing is a formal process of referring patients to a link worker to co-design a plan to improve their health and wellbeing. Intervention involves supporting participation in activities based within the individual’s local community. This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to accessing social prescribing for people living with LTNCs (plwLTNCs). Methods A total of four focus groups were carried out with 17 participants, including different neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Fragile X Syndrome, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. Two participants were family carers and supported people living with epilepsy and motor neurone disease. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five themes were identified: (1) Lack of knowledge; (2) Service provision difficulties; (3) Benefits of social prescribing activities; (4) Physical barriers and (5) Psychological barriers. There was a lack of knowledge about social prescribing and what it actually was. Participants anticipated service provision difficulties relating to funding, link workers need for knowledge of LTNC’s and for activities to be varied and individualised. The potential benefits of social prescribing activities were recognised across the groups especially its potential to tackle loneliness and to offer plwLTNC’s purpose. Participants highlighted a number of physical barriers such as transport and accessibility; and psychological barriers such as anxiety and stigma. Conclusion Social prescribing aims to address the health inequalities of those living with long-term conditions, however currently it is likely to exclude plwLTNCs. Recommendations for practice and future research are made.

scholarly journals Exploring the Enablers and Barriers to Social Prescribing for People Living With Long-Term Neurological Conditions: A Focus Group Investigation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Simpson ◽  
Moira Furlong ◽  
Clarissa Giebel
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Psychological Barriers ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
Physical Barriers ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Lack Of Knowledge

Abstract Background People living with Long Term Neurological Conditions (LTNCs) value peer support and social activities. Psychological support and wellbeing enables them to manage their condition. Social prescribing is a formal process of referring patients to a link worker to co-design a plan to improve their health and wellbeing. Intervention involves supporting participation in activities based within the individual’s local community. This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to accessing social prescribing for people living with LTNCs (plwLTNCs). Methods A total of four focus groups were carried out with 17 participants, including different neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Fragile X Syndrome, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury. Two participants were family carers and supported people living with epilepsy and motor neurone disease. Findings were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five themes were identified: (1) Lack of knowledge; (2) Service provision difficulties; (3) Benefits of social prescribing activities; (4) Physical barriers and (5) Psychological barriers. There was a lack of knowledge about social prescribing and what it actually was. Participants anticipated service provision difficulties relating to funding, link workers need for knowledge of LTNC’s and for activities to be varied and individualised. The potential benefits of social prescribing activities were recognised across the groups especially its potential to tackle loneliness and to offer plwLTNC’s purpose. Participants highlighted a number of physical barriers such as transport and accessibility; and psychological barriers such as anxiety and stigma. Conclusion Social prescribing aims to address the health inequalities of those living with long-term conditions, however currently it is likely to exclude plwLTNCs. Recommendations for future research are made.

scholarly journals Current understanding and implementation of ‘care navigation’ across England: a cross-sectional study of NHS clinical commissioning groups

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (687) ◽  
pp. e675-e681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Tierney ◽  
Geoff Wong ◽  
Kamal R Mahtani
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Descriptive Statistics ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Medical Needs ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
Evaluation Of Care

BackgroundCare navigation is an avenue to link patients to activities or organisations that can help address non-medical needs affecting health and wellbeing. An understanding of how care navigation is being implemented across primary care is lacking.AimTo determine how ‘care navigation’ is interpreted and currently implemented by clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).Design and settingA cross-sectional study involving CCGs in England.MethodA questionnaire was sent to all CCGs inviting them to comment on who provided care navigation, the type of patients for whom care navigation was provided, how individuals were referred, and whether services were being evaluated. Responses were summarised using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe authors received usable responses from 83% of CCGs (n = 162), and of these >90% (n = 147) had some form of care navigation running in their area. A total of 75 different titles were used to describe the role. Most services were open to all adult patients, though particular groups may have been targeted; for example, people who are older and those with long-term conditions. Referrals tended to be made by a professional, or people were identified by a receptionist when they presented to a surgery. Evaluation of care navigation services was limited.ConclusionThere is a policy steer to engaging patients in social prescribing, using some form of care navigator to help with this. Results from this study highlight that, although this type of role is being provided, its implementation is heterogeneous. This could make comparison and the pooling of data on care navigation difficult. It may also leave patients unsure about what care navigation is about and how it could help them.

scholarly journals Social Prescribing and Lifestyle Medicine—A Remedy to Chronic Health Problems?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10096
Author(s):  
Alicja Baska ◽  
Donata Kurpas ◽  
Joyce Kenkre ◽  
Josep Vidal-Alaball ◽  
Ferdinando Petrazzuoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Common Ground ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
British Society ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Lifestyle Medicine ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Family Doctors ◽  
Social Prescribing ◽  
Polish Society

Social prescribing has been identified as a chance to take a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing, especially for people with one or more long-term conditions. Its systemic implementation was a part of the recent United Kingdom National Health Service Long Term Plan. With a lifestyle medicine focus on equipping patients in tools necessary for self-care and self-management of their lifestyle-related health problems that coexists with the need for creating an environment supporting healthy choices, a social prescribing model seems to offer a promising strategy for advancing lifestyle medicine. This idea was discussed during a meeting hosted by the Polish Society of Lifestyle Medicine in collaboration with European Rural and Isolated Practitioners Association, Polish Society of Young Family Doctors (“Młodzi Lekarze Rodzinni”), British Society of Lifestyle Medicine and European Lifestyle Medicine Council in June 2020. The aftermath—this position statement is an Authors’ attempt at summarizing the common ground for social prescribing and lifestyle medicine. It collects experiences of practitioners and researchers from five European countries as well as making recommendations for applying this model in Poland. Despite referring to local conditions, it might provide universal takeaway messages for any healthcare providers interested in combining social prescribing with lifestyle medicine practice.

Sleep and pain

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole K. Y. Tang ◽  
Esther F. Afolalu ◽  
Fatanah Ramlee
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Treatment Development ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship

Pain and sleeplessness are two of the commonest reasons for primary care appointments. The prevalence of each problem alone is high, and to add to the complexity, pain and insomnia frequently co-occur, with pain interrupting sleep and pain being further aggravated following a poor night’s sleep. Sleep and pain management are increasingly recognized as important to public health. In particular, insomnia and chronic pain are long-term conditions that actively contribute to morbidity, disability, economic burden to society, and suffering to the individual and immediate family. This chapter examines the interrelationship between the two at the population level. Specifically, evidence from population-based studies regarding the co-occurrence and temporal link of pain and sleep is reviewed, with moderators and mediators of the relationship highlighted. Possible directions for future research and treatment development are also outlined.

scholarly journals Developing vocational rehabilitation services for people with long-term neurological conditions: Identifying facilitators and barriers to service provision

2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 337-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Hayward ◽  
Bilal A Mateen ◽  
E Diane Playford ◽  
Gail Eva
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Rehabilitation Service ◽  
Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Vocational Rehabilitation Service ◽  
Neurological Conditions

Introduction This study aimed to understand existing vocational rehabilitation service provision in one locality in London (population 3.74 million), identify any gaps and explore reasons for this, to support service development. Method Using soft systems methodology to guide the research process, semi-structured interviews were completed with nine participants, who were clinicians and managers providing vocational rehabilitation within a National Health Service context. Data were analysed thematically to build a ‘rich picture’ and develop a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery. Findings were then ratified with participants at an engagement event. Results The findings indicate a spectrum of vocational rehabilitation service provision for long-term neurological conditions with differing levels of funding in place. Vocational rehabilitation often takes place ‘under the radar’ and therefore the true vocational rehabilitation needs of this population, and the extent of service provision, is not known. There is inconsistency of understanding across the services as to what constitutes vocational rehabilitation and outcomes are not routinely measured. Conclusion For vocational rehabilitation services to develop they require appropriate funding, driven by government policy to commissioners. Clear definitions of vocational rehabilitation, collecting and sharing outcome data and effective communication across services are needed at a local level. This is expressed in a conceptual model of vocational rehabilitation service delivery.

scholarly journals End of life care for long-term neurological conditions: A meta-ethnographic review of the experiences of informal carers

2020 ◽  
pp. 026921632097426
Author(s):  
Michael Toze ◽  
Mo Ray ◽  
Thomas George ◽  
Kelly Sisson ◽  
David Nelson
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Informal Carers ◽  
The Right ◽  
Models Of Service Delivery

Background: Family and friends are key providers of care for people living with a long-term neurological condition. Neurological conditions are a significant global contributor to disability and premature death. However, previous research suggests carers often struggle to access appropriate support at end of life. Aims: This review sought to synthesise qualitative studies discussing end-of-life and palliative issues for informal carers supporting people living with neurological conditions. Design: This was a meta-ethnographic synthesis of 38 qualitative studies discussing end-of-life and palliative issues for informal carers supporting people living with long-term neurological conditions. Data Sources: Qualitative articles published after January 2010 in English, addressing carers of people with long-term neurological conditions with regard to palliative care, end of life and/or bereavement. Papers were excluded if it was not possible to separately assess the views of carers. Quality appraisal was not undertaken, but consideration was given to research context. Results: Across the papers, five key themes were identified: the future (un)certainties in the progression of life-limiting neurological conditions; an information paradox of not receiving the right information at the right time; access to support; carers’ roles in decision making around end of life; and maintaining continuity while facing change and disruption in day-to-day living. Conclusions: Given the broad agreement on the challenges faced by carers of people living with long-term neurological conditions, future research should consider opportunities to improve information and support for this group, and the development and evaluation of practical models of service delivery.

scholarly journals What methods are being used to create an evidence base on the use of laboratory tests to monitor long-term conditions in primary care? A scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 845-853
Author(s):  
Martha M C Elwenspoek ◽  
Lauren J Scott ◽  
Katharine Alsop ◽  
Rita Patel ◽  
Jessica C Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Patient Harm ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Test Ordering

Abstract Background Studies have shown unwarranted variation in test ordering among GP practices and regions, which may lead to patient harm and increased health care costs. There is currently no robust evidence base to inform guidelines on monitoring long-term conditions. Objectives To map the extent and nature of research that provides evidence on the use of laboratory tests to monitor long-term conditions in primary care, and to identify gaps in existing research. Methods We performed a scoping review—a relatively new approach for mapping research evidence across broad topics—using data abstraction forms and charting data according to a scoping framework. We searched CINAHL, EMBASE and MEDLINE to April 2019. We included studies that aimed to optimize the use of laboratory tests and determine costs, patient harm or variation related to testing in a primary care population with long-term conditions. Results Ninety-four studies were included. Forty percent aimed to describe variation in test ordering and 36% to investigate test performance. Renal function tests (35%), HbA1c (23%) and lipids (17%) were the most studied laboratory tests. Most studies applied a cohort design using routinely collected health care data (49%). We found gaps in research on strategies to optimize test use to improve patient outcomes, optimal testing intervals and patient harms caused by over-testing. Conclusions Future research needs to address these gaps in evidence. High-level evidence is missing, i.e. randomized controlled trials comparing one monitoring strategy to another or quasi-experimental designs such as interrupted time series analysis if trials are not feasible.

scholarly journals Children and young people’s concerns and needs relating to their use of health technology to self-manage long-term conditions: a scoping review

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (11) ◽  
pp. 1093-1104
Author(s):  
Sarah Blower ◽  
Veronica Swallow ◽  
Camila Maturana ◽  
Simon Stones ◽  
Robert Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Health Technology ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Journal Articles ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Children And Young People ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Online Treatment

BackgroundThe use of patient-facing health technologies to manage long-term conditions is increasing; however, children and young people may have particular concerns or needs before deciding to use different health technologies.AimsTo identify children and young people’s reported concerns or needs in relation to using health technologies to self-manage long-term conditions.MethodsA scoping review was conducted. We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL in February 2019. Searches were limited to papers published between January 2008 and February 2019. We included any health technology used to manage long-term conditions. A thematic synthesis of the data from the included studies was undertaken. We engaged children with long-term conditions (and parents) to support review design, interpretation of findings and development of recommendations.ResultsThirty-eight journal articles were included, describing concerns or needs expressed by n=970 children and/or young people aged 5–18 years. Most included studies were undertaken in high-income countries with children aged 11 years and older. Studies examined concerns with mobile applications (n=14), internet (n=9), social media (n=3), interactive online treatment programmes (n=3), telehealth (n=1), devices (n=3) or a combination (n=5). Children and young people’s main concerns were labelling and identity; accessibility; privacy and reliability; and trustworthiness of information.DiscussionThis review highlights important concerns that children and young people may have before using technology to self-manage their long-term condition. In future, research should involve children and young people throughout the development of technology, from identifying their unmet needs through to design and evaluation of interventions.

How peer support can assist job-seekers with a disability move into work

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11
Author(s):  
Diana Dorstyn ◽  
Gregory Murphy ◽  
Elizabeth Potter ◽  
Ashley Craig
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Traumatic Injury ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Job Seekers ◽  
Real Situation ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Employment Services ◽  
Job Seeking

AbstractAnecdotally, there are frequent reports that peer-facilitated initiatives can be successfully used in employment services. However, in Australia, there is little information about how to effectively deliver peer support. In this paper, we discuss how peer-based interventions might be used to supplement formal return-to-work services and contribute to positive job-seeking outcomes. We illustrate the potential of vocational peer support using a real situation involving a young adult who successfully returned to work soon after sustaining a traumatic injury. Future research should explore the inclusion of various peer support structures and formats as a component of other employment services, to help people with long-term conditions and disabilities achieve a range of vocational outcomes and to guide practice in this area.

scholarly journals Could social prescribing contribute to type 2 diabetes prevention in people at high risk? Protocol for a realist, multilevel, mixed methods review and evaluation

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e042303
Author(s):  
Sara Calderón Larrañaga ◽  
Megan Clinch ◽  
Trisha Greenhalgh ◽  
Sarah Finer
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
National Health Service ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Health Service ◽  
National Health ◽  
Stakeholder Group ◽  
Long Term Conditions ◽  
Social Prescribing

IntroductionSocial prescribing is an innovation being widely adopted within the UK National Health Service policy as a way of improving the management of people with long-term conditions, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). It generally involves linking patients in primary care with non-medical community-based interventions. Despite widespread national support, evidence for the effectiveness of social prescribing is both insufficient and contested. In this study, we will investigate whether social prescribing can contribute to T2D prevention and, if so, when, how and in what circumstances it might best be introduced.Methods and analysisWe will draw on realist evaluation to investigate the complex interpersonal, organisational, social and policy contexts in which social prescribing relevant to T2D prevention is implemented. We will set up a stakeholder group to advise us throughout the study, which will be conducted over three interconnected stages. In stage 1, we will undertake a realist review to synthesise the current evidence base for social prescribing. In stage 2, we will investigate how social prescribing relevant to people at high risk of T2D ‘works’ in a multiethnic, socioeconomically diverse community and any interactions with existing T2D prevention services using qualitative, quantitative and realist methods. In stage 3 and building on previous stages, we will synthesise a ‘transferable framework’ that will guide implementation and evaluation of social prescribing relevant to T2D prevention at scale.Ethics and disseminationNational Health Service ethics approval has been granted (reference 20/LO/0713). This project will potentially inform the adaptation of social prescribing services to better meet the needs of people at high risk of T2D in socioeconomically deprived areas. Findings may also be transferable to other long-term conditions. Dissemination will be undertaken as a continuous process, supported by the stakeholder group. Tailored outputs will target the following audiences: (1) service providers and commissioners; (2) people at high risk of T2D and community stakeholders; and (3) policy and strategic decision makers.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020196259.

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