A simple revolutionary approach every GP should know: MSc in EBHC alumna Nur Hidayati Handayani shares details of her research on social prescribing, and its publication by the BJGP

About the author

Nur Hidayati Handayani is an independent mental health counsellor and alumna of the MSc in EBHC programme. Read her previous blog to learn more about her experience of the course.

Being a feminist means I can’t just walk away when things get tough, even when it’s uncomfortable. When I believe in something, I pour my heart into it…  

This research was no exception. I’ve always felt that research shouldn’t be locked away in academic journals—it should be out there, making a real difference. And for researchers from developing countries, getting our voices heard can feel like climbing uphill in the rain. The stats shows that most open access articles come from authors in high-income countries, who can afford the hefty publishing fees. Meanwhile, researchers from lower-income countries are often left juggling grant applications like navigating a maze with no map, constantly trying to move forward despite the barriers. That’s why I’m so passionate about making research accessible for everyone, no matter where they’re from. Our research needs to be seen and shared. 

Getting this article published was a bit like navigating British weather—unexpected, occasionally challenging, but with the right support, entirely doable. Without any funding, there were moments I doubted whether I’d see it through. But my course director, Annette Plüddemann and her team were like a good cup of tea on a rainy day, always there to provide advice. And when the editors at the British Journal of General Practice stepped in, it was like a much-needed ray of sunshine—they accepted my paper with a fee waiver and helped shape it into something I’m truly proud of. It wasn’t always easy, but the journey was worth every step. 

Here is our research story from my dissertation project titled 'A Thematic Synthesis of the Experiences of Social Prescribing Among Patients in the UK'.

How Social Prescribing is Revolutionising Patient-Centred Care: Insights from the UK 

There’s something remarkable happening in healthcare that’s changing the way we think about wellbeing. It’s called social prescribing, and at its core, it recognises that health is about more than what happens in a doctor’s office. It’s about our connections, our environment, and the challenges we face day to day. 

It’s already being implemented in countries like Canada, Australia, Singapore, USA, and parts of Europe. The United Nations has even included it as part of its Sustainable Development Goals to improve global health. And in the UK, social prescribing is becoming a key part of how healthcare is delivered, especially within the National Health Service (NHS).  

Social prescribing connects patients with non-clinical services to help meet their broader needs - like reducing loneliness, managing their diabetes, or accessing community groups. It’s a holistic approach, and in our research, we set out to understand how patients are experiencing this new model of care in the UK. 

What We Found: Patients Seeking Hope and Support 

Through our systematic review, we explored the experiences of social prescribing users across 19 studies. What stood out right away was how patients described searching for hope, especially during challenging times. For many, social prescribing was a lifeline in the midst of adversity. 

Patients often turned to their General Practitioners (GPs) when they felt stuck—whether due to mental health struggles, loneliness, or financial stress. They weren’t just looking for medical advice; they were looking for someone who could understand their full situation and point them in the right direction. 

One patient said, 'I was really down. It wasn’t just about getting help; it was about finding something that could give me hope again.'

For some, the journey was smoother thanks to strong support systems. Having family, friends, or even a flexible employer made it easier to engage with social prescribing. As one patient shared, 'My employer’s flexibility made all the difference.'

But for those without support, it was much harder. Living with poverty, stress, or heavy responsibilities often left them feeling isolated and discouraged. For these patients, accessing services could feel like just another challenge. 

The Importance of Timing: Variability in Responses 

One of the most fascinating findings from our research was how differently patients responded to social prescribing. For some, the benefits were immediate. After joining a recommended activity, they felt a positive shift in their mood, confidence, or social engagement right away. 

One participant described it like this: 'Doing something creative with others helped me almost instantly. I didn’t expect it to make such a difference, but it did. I felt like I belonged.' 

But not everyone experienced these benefits so quickly. For others, change came more slowly. They needed more time to connect with the process and adapt to new activities. In some cases, it took several attempts, or even months, before patients started to feel the impact. 

This variation in timing showed us how important it is to tailor social prescribing to each individual’s readiness. Some patients might need more guidance and encouragement from their link workers, while others benefit from more time and flexibility in their pathway. It highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to assess a patient’s situation and ensure the referral matches their capacity and willingness to engage. 

Sustained Change: When It Works, It Really Works 

When social prescribing worked well—when it matched a patient’s needs and they were ready to engage—the results were truly transformative. Patients described feeling more empowered, developing new skills, and gaining confidence in ways that extended far beyond the healthcare setting. 

One patient shared: 'I started to feel like I could handle things again. Social prescribing wasn’t just about fixing one issue; it gave me tools I can use for the rest of my life.' 

What was especially powerful was how these positive changes often rippled out into the community. Some patients, after receiving support, went on to volunteer or even start their own community groups, creating a cycle of giving back. This sense of connection and community resilience is one of the most exciting aspects of social prescribing. It’s not just about helping individuals; it’s about strengthening communities. 

Photo credit: Ian Wallman

Feeling Supported and Encouraged: The Power of the Link Worker Relationship 

One of the most vital aspects of social prescribing is the role of the link worker. Patients often spoke about how much they valued having someone in their corner—someone who listened without judgment and encouraged them to try new things. Link workers were described as approachable, understanding, and flexible in their approach, which made all the difference for patients feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges. 

As one patient said, 'My link worker made me feel like I wasn’t alone, like I could actually do this. She believed in me, even when I didn’t.' 

This sense of support wasn’t just emotional—it was practical too. Link workers offered guidance, tailored plans, and flexibility, ensuring that patients felt comfortable moving forward at their own pace. This partnership was key in helping patients build confidence and take charge of their wellbeing. 

Misalignment: When It Doesn’t Work 

Like any other health programmes, social prescribing doesn’t always have the intended impact. Some patients didn’t feel much benefit from the process, often because the activities or services they were connected to didn’t align with their needs or expectations. In these cases, there was a clear misalignment between what the patient hoped for and what was offered. 

This was especially true for patients with severe mental health issues or complex social circumstances. Without the right support or understanding of their unique situation, social prescribing sometimes fell short. One patient described feeling disappointed after being referred to an activity that didn’t match their emotional needs: 'I left the house for the first time in weeks, and it didn’t feel like it was worth it.'

These experiences remind us of the importance of getting social prescribing right. It’s not enough to simply connect patients with services; those services must be tailored to the individual and meet them where they are in their journey. 

What This Means for the Future 

Our research makes it clear: social prescribing has the potential to revolutionise how we approach patient-centred care, but it needs to be done thoughtfully. We recommend that healthcare professionals carefully assess whether a patient is ready for social prescribing and ensure the referral matches their needs. It’s also crucial to provide clear guidelines for link workers to build supportive yet professional relationships with patients. 

As we continue to learn more about how social prescribing can benefit patients, we should also explore how it can foster resilience within communities. When done well, social prescribing doesn’t just help individuals—it creates a ripple effect that strengthens everyone. 

By putting the person, not just the problem, at the centre of care, social prescribing is showing us a new way forward. It’s about listening, understanding, and giving patients the tools they need to take control of their health and their lives. 

To read more about our research, please visit https://bjgp.org/content/early/2024/09/10/BJGP.2024.0179.long