1. Outcomes from social prescribing
Evidence from Southwark and elsewhere
Jane Harris
16th May 2019

2. Overview Why measure outcomes in social prescribing?
How to choose which outcomes to measure
How to choose useful measures of these outcomes
What is currently being measured in Southwark?
Suggestions for effective indicators to use

3. A useful way of thinking about outcomes: the logic modelIF
MONITORING
THEN
Inputs
Activities
Outputs
Outcomes
Impacts
The resources needed to implement the project / programme, e.g. staff
The things the programme does
The “products” that result from the activities
The immediate consequences and change that are a result of the activities
The longer-term results in people’s lives or in a system, which the service or activity may contribute towards, but which go beyond the direct and immediate change

4. The next step: identifying outcome measures to enable evaluation
Outcomes
Possible indicators & measurement tools
Data collection methods
Outcomes for individuals and their carers
Improved mental wellbeing
Improved scores on SWEMWBS
Individual completes every 3 or 6 months (self or 1:1)
Increased ability to manage own health
Improved PAM scores
Outcomes for staff in referral agencies
Improved morale
Change over time in responses to NHSE survey
Electronic or paper? NHSE or local admin?
Improved understanding of VCS options
Change over time in responses to local survey
Possible bespoke e-survey, every 12 months
Outcomes for voluntary organisations
Increased sustainability
Change over time in responses to NHSE VCSE survey
Increased capacity to manage referrals
Outcomes for the health and care system
Reduction in GP consultations
Reduction seen per GP records
6 monthly report by GPs?
Reduction in hospital bed days
Secondary Uses Service (SUS) data
Agreement with CSU to supply data for people who give consent

5. Outcomes being measured in Southwark
Increased engagement in activities
Increased confidence
Increased happiness
Increased independence
Increased ability to manage own health
Improved home environment
Reduction in use of health services
WAYS OF MEASURING
Case studies
Bespoke questionnaires (self- report)
Friends and Family Test
Onward referrals
Patient Activation Measure (?)
Number of GP appointments (PCN service)
Number of A&E visits (PCN service)
Hospital admissions (PCN service)

6. Observations from the review so far
Many different approaches being taken to measuring outcomes.
Not many services are using validated outcomes measures.
Qualitative methods are most popular and in some cases these are most appropriate – for example, some people with dementia may not be able to complete questionnaires.
Sometimes there is confusion in reports between outputs and outcomes.
There are obvious challenges in devising an approach which is proportionate and feasible within the resources available.
In particular, we know it is challenging for voluntary organisations to develop systems for collecting information on outcomes.
Accessing health service usage data may be challenging, but worth doing – good partnership working is essential.

7. Possible criteria for choosing outcome measures
Has it been validated and tested to ensure psychometric validity? This is important, because if it has not, the tool is not a reliable measure of the change the service is seeking.
How long does it take to complete? Ideally, we would not want to use measures that usually take longer than 5 minutes, as people are less likely to complete them.
Who is it aimed at? Is it a measure that is specific to a particular group, or can it be used across service user groups?
Is it widely used in similar services? If it is, findings from your service can be compared with findings from elsewhere.
Is it free to use? If there is an equivalent measure which is free there will be no need to incur cost.
Are there any other considerations? For example, how has the measure generally been received by service users?

8. Possible tools to use

9. Thank you and any questions?
Finally
Thank you and any questions?
Jane Harris