Protocolizing social prescribing in mental health and addiction services: barriers and opportunities

Abstract Issue Social Prescribing (SP) is a structured approach where health professionals recommend community activities to enhance well-being. Starting in Catalonia in 2012, it expanded to the entire primary care network by 2016. By 2023, 23,338 patients received SP, showing a 2.3-fold increase from 2022. Two-thirds experienced improvement in mental well-being. Now, efforts focus on applying SP to mental health and addiction services (MHAS), where SP can be used for restoring health and well-being. Description A literature review was conducted and a working group was initiated with MHAS professionals was initiated to exchange experiences and identify needs and best practices. This was done in preparation for designing a pilot experience, which will include a qualitative study through focus groups to validate the action plan and determine barriers and facilitators in MHAS. The groups will be segmented into MHAS users and frontline professionals. Results The results of the review process and the working group sessions demonstrated that SP can be useful and beneficial for the health MHAS users. However, barriers and opportunities were identified. The main barriers detected include: the need for strong support during referrals to community activities; increased awareness of addiction among activity providers to reduce stigmatization; define inclusion and exclusion criteria; determining monitoring and evaluation tools; and mapping and updating community assets. Regarding opportunities, the following were highligthed: the interest of MHAS professionals in promoting and implementing a SP program in this area; the existence of organizations already conducting community activities focused MHAS users; and political prioritization of this issue. Lessons The implementation of a SP program protocol in MHAS is considered beneficial. It is necessary to analyse barriers to effectively address them and to identify opportunities to leverage them. Key messages • Social Prescribing has significantly enhanced mental health outcomes in Primary Care, which can imply a potential improvement in well-being of mental health and addiction services users. • Implementing Social Prescribing in mental health and addiction services offers promising integrated care opportunities, requiring barriers resolution and maximizing existing prospects.