Health and social care services in North and West London are building positive new models of cross-sector working to make better use of joined-up resources. The Self-Care social prescribing model has led to reduced avoidable need for hospitalisations, reduced need for GP practice hours, and reduced levels of physical pain and depression for patients.

Evaluation of My Care My Way Social Prescribing Programme

A new Social Return on Investment (SROI) report has been produced by Envoy Partnership who were commissioned to conduct research to evaluate the impact of the model and analyse the Self-Care social prescribing model.  The report demonstrates that the model has led to reduced avoidable need for hospitalisations, reduced need for GP practice hours, and reduced levels of physical pain and depression for patients.

This Self-Care social prescribing model and directory of services is managed by Kensington and Chelsea Social Council (KCSC) on behalf of West London Clinical Commissioning Group (WLCCG).

The general aim of Self-Care is to increase patient confidence in making informed decisions about their health, and increase lifestyle changes and new healthy habits, through accessing more community-based support sessions. The model forms part of WLCCG integrated ‘My Care, My Way’ (MCMW) programme, which places over-65s at the heart of a personalised and holistic care and support plan.

The Self-Care social prescribing model enables GP practice staff to refer patients with a nonmedical health and wellbeing need onto appropriate specialist services from the voluntary and community sector (VCS).

Patients are provided with a personal consultation with a Case Manager or Health and Social Care Assistant at their GP practice, to identify their needs, interests, and goals. One option available is for the patient to be prescribed a service on the Self-Care directory. Patients are contacted by the service provider within a week to arrange their sessions and work on their progression.

Key results of the SROI report include:

• £2.80 of social value created per £1 invested
• Circa 11.5% reduced hospital admissions
• 1300 patients were reached up to March 2018

2018 Summary Report or the Full Report here

For further information contact: Angela Spence, CEO of KCSC on [email protected]