The aim of the study was to prepare for a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining outcome and cost effectiveness for a new social prescribing service compared with usual care in patients making above average use of NHS resources.

The principle research question was: What is the feasibility of developing a social prescribing service to reach a significant proportion of primary care high resource users who may benefit from a social intervention?

The overall outcomes of the project evolved into the following:

– Design a social prescribing service based upon the finding of the study, literature and other projects experience

– Write a business case for the implementation of a social prescribing project in the local area

– Seek funding for implementing such a project, for example via practice based commissioners

– Design a suitable evaluation/research strategy in order to assess outcomes, increase project sustainability and disseminate best practice and evidence of success.

Brandling, J. & House, W. (2007). Investigation into the feasibility of a social prescribing service in primary care: a pilot project. University of Bath and Bath and North East Somerset NHS Primary Care Trust, Bath, UK