New Report from The National Academy for Social Prescribing Highlights the Positive Impacts on Health Service Use and Costs
The Impact of Social Prescribing on Health Service Use and Costs: Examples of Local Evaluations in Practice, reveals compelling evidence that social prescribing services significantly reduce avoidable GP appointments, hospital admissions, and A&E attendances, alleviating pressure on the NHS and delivering economic benefits.
The report, based on data from nine areas in England, demonstrates how social prescribing directly improves health outcomes, strengthens communities, and offers cost-effective solutions. Among its key findings:
- Tameside and Glossop: A 42.2% reduction in GP appointments was recorded among 1,751 patients accessing social prescribing services.
- Kent: A&E attendances dropped by 15.4%–23.6% among 5,908 patients using social prescribing.
- Kirklees and Rotherham: Frequent healthcare users saw substantial reductions in both GP visits and A&E attendances following social prescribing interventions.
Economic impacts were also notable:
- Newcastle: Secondary care costs were 9.4% lower compared to a matched control group where social prescribing was unavailable.
- Rotherham: Frequent healthcare users experienced up to a 39% reduction in costs for A&E attendances in a pre- and post-analysis study.
While the methodologies and results vary across regions, the overall evidence suggests that connecting individuals to local groups, services, and activities tailored to their needs can reduce NHS demand. However, the report also notes that while frequent healthcare users often see reductions, some patients with previously low healthcare usage may show increased engagement with services as they address unmet needs.
EAG and Social prescribing
The principles of social prescribing align perfectly with the aims of the Eco Attractions Group, which focuses on connecting people with nature through active methods of transport such as walking and cycling. By fostering accessible and sustainable engagement with green spaces, their initiatives complement social prescribing, promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and stronger community connections.
Call to Action
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) is urging the expansion of social prescribing services across a broader range of NHS care and treatment pathways to ensure more patients can benefit from this transformative approach.
For more information about the report and NASP’s recommendations, visit socialprescribingacademy.org.uk
