Social Prescribing Information Standard
For many people, improving their health and wellbeing requires a holistic approach and support by professionals who can help them focus on what matters to them to live well. Social prescribing supports people to understand their needs and connects them to local community (non-clinical), often voluntary, services which can provide the help they need.
Current release
Version: V1.1 | |||
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Release date | January 2023 | ||
Release notes | 
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Next release date | Jan – March 2026 | ||
Next release type | Scheduled release | ||
The standard | |
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Social Prescribing Information Standard | |
Full standard – PRSB viewer | 
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Full standard – Excel | 
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Full standard – Json | 
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Referral to social prescribing services | |
Full standard – PRSB viewer | 
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Full standard – Excel |
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Full standard – Json | 
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Message back to GP and referrer | |
Full standard – PRSB viewer | 
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Full standard – Excel |
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Full standard – Json | 
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Supporting documentation | Description/purpose |
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Information standards notice (ISN) | ISNs are published to announce new or changes to information standards published under section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. |
| This document includes general implementation guidance for all PRSB standards. Detailed implementation guidance specific to this standard are included within the information model. |
| Rules for implementation of the standard. |
| Describes the purpose, methodolgy and stakeholder engagement for developing the standard, along with the findings and recommendations for further work. |
| Summarises the hazards which could result from implementing the standard. |
| Details the potential hazards from implementing the standard with their risk rating and mitigation. |
Technology Framework | Details of the new SNOMED refsets in development for social prescribing are available on request from NHSE at england.socialprescribing@nhs.net. |
Provenance data | Defines the information on who made a record entry and who carried out the activity, where and when. |
Need implementation support?
- Online support form
- Support@theprsb.org
- 020 4551 5225 (9-5 Mon-Fri, excl. bank holidays)
About this standard
The Social Prescribing Information Standard will enable the sharing and recording of information for the whole patient journey, from initial referral, throughout the period of social prescribing and the message back to the referrer and GP at its conclusion. (See National Association of Link Workers Education Standards).
The standard supports the recording and sharing of information including:
- The information required to support the conversations between the link worker and the person
- Information to support people, show their healthcare is joined up and avoid them having to retell their story multiple times
- Information that can be shared with the person themselves, their family or carer
- Summary information back to the referrer and GP for the person’s overall record
- Information for secondary uses, e.g. for understanding the scale and effectiveness of social prescribing services, planning, population health etc.
The standard is UK wide with involvement from all four nations. It was commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement and has an important role to play in the English national drive to widen the use of social prescribing to support citizen empowerment and personalised care, as stated in the NHS Long Term Plan.
Scope
The standard is for all models of social prescribing including those used in local authorities and voluntary organisations in social care or health. The standard has three parts:
- The referral to social prescribing (unless it’s a self-referral)
- The link worker’s record
- The message back to the GP and referrer (if different)
Out of scope:
- Social prescribing for children and young people. Their particular needs have not been addressed, but it may work or be usable with supplementary information where required.
- Information requirements of any local services the person is referred or signposted to, although where appropriate, they would receive a referral from the link worker.
How it works
The diagram below shows the person’s journey through social prescribing and the information at the different stages of their treatment and care. Technical FHIR messages will be developed to support the sending of messages to/from the social prescribing service, in the mean-time email letters are recommended. These won’t be required in situations where the social prescribers use the GP systems.
Examples
To give a clearer idea of how the standard works in practice, PRSB have created examples to show how the standard is intended to be used in practice.
Further resources
- Early adopter results
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Splossary.wales
An easy read glossary that explains the terms used in social prescribing -
Standards explained
PRSB’s guide to standards which sets out the purpose and benefits of using standards and how to support frontline professionals to adopt them. -
IHRIM record correction guidance
Despite vigilance when filing information in records, mistakes can occur. The Institute of Health Records and Information Management has guidance to support professionals in making corrections following errors.
Endorsement
- National Association of Link Workers
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
- Defence Medical Services
- Faculty of Public Health
- National Academy of Social Prescribing
- National Association for Voluntary and Community Action
- National Voices
- Patient Information Forum
- Queen’s Nursing Institute
- Royal College of General Practitioners
- Royal College of Nursing
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- Royal College of Psychiatrists