Evidence map›Paper›PMID 33402331›Full record

ArticleBJGP open2021

Using self-determination theory to understand the social prescribing process: a qualitative study.

Sara Bhatti, Jennifer Rayner, Andrew D Pinto, Kate Mulligan, Donald C Cole

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BJGP open, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 38 papers, 5 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
38citing papers in PubMed, 5 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

38 citing papers in PubMed, 5 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

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  11. Identifying social prescribing core outcomes using a Delphi approach: findings and future directions.Health promotion and chronic disease prevention in Canada : research, policy and practice · 2026
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Sara BhattiAlliance for Healthier Communities, Toronto, Canada sara.bhatti@allianceON.org.
Jennifer RaynerAlliance for Healthier Communities, Toronto, Canada.
Andrew D PintoDalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1841-9347
Kate MulliganAlliance for Healthier Communities, Toronto, Canada.
Donald C ColeDalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSocial prescribing (SP) assists patients to engage in social activities and connect to community supports as part of a holistic approach to primary care

aimTo explore how SP as a process facilitates positive outcomes for patients. DESIGN &

settingQualitative methods were used. Eighteen focus groups were conducted at CHCs or by video-conferencing, and involved 88 patients. In addition, eight in-depth telephone interviews were undertaken.

methodInterviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using a theoretical framework based on self-determination theory (SDT).

resultsParticipants who had received social prescriptions described SP as an empathetic process that respects their needs and interests. SP facilitated the patient's voice in their care, helped patients to develop skills in addressing needs important to them, and fostered trusting relationships with staff and other participants. Patients reported their social support networks were expanded, and they had improved mental health and ability in self-management of chronic conditions. Patients who became involved in SP as voluntary 'health champions' reported this was a positive experience and they gained a sense of purpose by giving back to their communities in ways that felt meaningful for them.

conclusionSP produced positive outcomes for patients, and it fits well within the community health centre model of primary care. Future research should examine the impact on health outcomes and examine the return on investment of developing and implementing SP programmes.

Indexed as

primary health carequalitative researchself-determination theorysocial determinants of healthsocial prescribing

Identifiers

PMID33402331
PMCPMC8170608

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.