Social Prescribing Outcomes for Trials (SPOT)
Social prescribing is a model of health and social care. This approach was implemented in British Columbia (BC), Canada, starting in about 2020.
We are exploring how this innovative approach to health and social care is effectively integrated into existing systems in BC.
A key component of this process is identifying meaningful outcome measures… such as improvements in well-being, social connectedness, and access to community resources. In this way, we can better assess the real-world impact of these interventions.
Thus, we conducted a consensus study using the Delphi method. We gathered opinions from participants from a range of interested groups, including older adults, providers, researchers, students, and policymakers.
Through two survey rounds, participants rated outcomes to measure in the context of social prescribing. We then generated a list of outcome measures that can guide future evaluation efforts.
This approach began with an in-depth review of existing literature. You can find the publication at the following link below.
Ashe et al., Outcomes and instruments used in social prescribing: a modified umbrella review. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can. 2024 Jun;44(6):244-269
Following that, we carried out the Delphi project. You can find the publication at the link below.
Ashe et al., Identifying social prescribing core outcomes using a Delphi approach: findings and future directions. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can. 2026 Jan;46(1):11-22
