What is the value of social prescribing?

General practice is in crisis. Across the UK different models of social prescribing have evolved to meet the growth in patient attendance. Although there is growing evidence of their efficacy there is little evidence of their value. Analysing one holistic social prescribing intervention this research adopts a social return on investment approach. Using an impact questionnaire, including validated items impact of the programme was assessed on 128 new patients over 12 months. This was followed up with semi-structured interviews with 40 patients; analysis of GP attendance data and the recording of other social outcomes. Data collected show statistically significant improvement in: Public Health Questionnaire 9 (p