The Glasgow ‘Deep End’ Links Worker Study Protocol: a quasi-experimental evaluation of a social prescribing intervention for patients with complex needs in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation

Mercer, S. W. , Fitzpatrick, B., Grant, L., Chng, N. R. , O'Donnell, C. , Mackenzie, M. , McConnachie, A. , Bakhshi, A. and Wyke, S. (2017) The Glasgow ‘Deep End’ Links Worker Study Protocol: a quasi-experimental evaluation of a social prescribing intervention for patients with complex needs in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation. Journal of Comorbidity, 7(1), pp. 1-10. (doi: 10.15256/joc.2017.7.102)

Abstract

Background: ‘Social prescribing’ can be used to link patients with complex needs to local (non-medical) community resources. The ‘Deep End’ Links Worker Programme is being tested in general practices serving deprived populations in Glasgow, Scotland. Objectives: To assess the implementation and impact of the intervention at patient and practice levels. Methods: Study design: Quasi-experimental outcome evaluation with embedded theory-driven process evaluation in 15 practices randomized to receive the intervention or not. Complex intervention: Comprising a practice development fund, a practice-based community links practitioner (CLP), and management support. It aims to link patients to local community organizations and enhance practices’ social prescribing capacity. Study population: For intervention practices, staff and adult patients involved in referral to a CLP, and a sample of community organization staff. For comparison practices, all staff and a random sample of adult patients. Sample size: 286 intervention and 484 comparator patients. Outcomes: Primary patient outcome is health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Secondary patient outcomes include capacity, depression/anxiety, self-esteem, and healthcare utilization. Practice outcome measures include team climate, job satisfaction, morale, and burnout. Outcomes measured at baseline and 9 months. Processes: Barriers and facilitators to implementation of the programme and possible mechanisms through which outcomes are achieved. Analysis plan: For outcome, intention-to-treat analysis with differences between groups tested using mixed-effects regression models. For process, case-study approach with thematic analysis. Discussion: This evaluation will provide new evidence about the implementation and impact of social prescribing by general practices serving patients with complex needs living in areas of high deprivation.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wyke, Professor Sally and McConnachie, Professor Alex and Chng, Dr Nai Rui and Grant, Mrs Lesley and Fitzpatrick, Dr Bridie and Mercer, Professor Stewart and Mackenzie, Professor Mhairi and Bakhshi, Mrs Andisheh and O'Donnell, Professor Kate
• Authors: Mercer, S. W., Fitzpatrick, B., Grant, L., Chng, N. R., O'Donnell, C., Mackenzie, M., McConnachie, A., Bakhshi, A., and Wyke, S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing; College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
• Journal Name: Journal of Comorbidity
• Publisher: Swiss Medical Press
• ISSN: 2235-042X
• ISSN (Online): 2235-042X
• Published Online: 25 January 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Comorbidity 7(1):1-10
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License