Background: Social prescribing is a relatively new approach in which health professionals refer patients to local community-based services (e.g., exercise classes, arts-based activities) through a social prescribing link worker to meet their health and wellbeing needs. To date, most research on social prescribing has centred on adult populations. Research indicates that social prescribing can positively benefit adults’ physical and mental health and decrease demand on primary and secondary health care services.  However, less is known about the role of social prescribing for adolescents’ health and wellbeing as research on this topic is still in its infancy.  Moreover, there is a paucity of research regarding health professionals’ views on social prescribing for adolescents (under 18 years).

Purpose: This study seeks to contribute to our understanding of social prescribing for adolescents by exploring nurses’ views on the perceived barriers, facilitators, and suitability of social prescribing for children and adolescents.

Methods: The study comprises a quantitative cross-sectional research design. A short anonymous online survey will be disseminated through professional organisations. Health professionals who make referrals for social prescribing services and those who do not make referrals for social prescribing services will be asked to complete a short anonymous online survey exploring their views on social prescribing specifically for adolescents.

Implications: It is hoped that the findings may be used to inform the design and delivery of future social prescribing services, practices, and policy for adolescents (under 18 years).

Contact details: Dr Margaret Lawler, Assistant Professor (Health Psychology), Discipline of Occupational Therapy, Trinity College Dublin | email: lawlerm1@tcd.ie

Link to Survey for Health Professionals:  

https://nursingandmidwifery.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVhnprZF5xUvATI 

Participant Information Leaflet (Social Prescribing Study)