Social prescribing linked to health checks without higher costs

Social prescribing may help people connect with care without driving up costs

A University of Manchester study of more than 1.4 million records suggests social prescribing is linked to more healthcare use at first, followed by a small reduction in GP appointments within a year.

A GP speaking with an older patient, illustrating research into social prescribing Image: University of ManchesterOriginal source

Need something explained?Tap a highlighted word, phrase or concept, or select any part of the article and choose Explain this.

Social prescribing may help people become more engaged with their health without increasing overall healthcare costs, according to led by the University of Manchester.

The team analysed records from more than 1.4 million people. Patients referred to social prescribing initially used healthcare more often, including health checks and other support, but within a year the observed a small reduction in GP appointments.

Social prescribing connects people with non-medical support including community groups, exercise activities and financial or practical advice. The idea is that some of the pressures affecting health are better addressed outside the consulting room.

The results add useful to a already used across England, particularly because they look beyond whether people simply attend a community activity and examine how their wider use of healthcare changes over time.