Social Prescribing Link Workers Work! - What is Social Prescribing? What is a Link Worker?

It is an intentional, structured, and evidence-based way of connecting people to a range of local, non-clinical, community-based programs, services and activities that address the social determinants of health and support their overall wellbeing Social prescribing can look different for each community depending on who is part of it and the resources and supports available. [...] The provider then refers that client to a staff member of an interprofessional primary care team, referred to as a link worker, who reaches out to the client, and together, they identify the client’s interests, needs, and gifts. [...] What is a Link Worker? Social prescribing link workers play a key role in delivering social prescribing by spending time with clients to hear their needs and understand their interests. [...] The critical role of a robust and supportive relationship with an easily accessible link worker in promoting sustained behaviour change highlights the importance of link worker continuity.”7 In the Alliance's Rx: Community Social Prescribing Pilot study, 42% of providers reported that they observed a decrease in the number of repeat visits among their clients who participated in a social prescribi. [...] London: Royal College of General Practitioners, 4 Maximising the impact of social prescribing on population health in the era of COVID-19 5 Service-users’ perspectives of link worker social prescribing: a qualitative follow-up study 6 Reducing emergency hospital admissions: a population health complex intervention of an enhanced model of primary care and compassionate communities 7 Service-users’.