Social Prescribing within the PCN – How to make it a success!

This programme focuses on the most advantageous and effective means of recruiting, employing and deploying the additional Social Prescribing roles that have now been made available for recruitment by PCNs via the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS). Social Prescribing Link Workers have made a huge contribution to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the Practice’s vulnerable patients during the COVID crisis and will be in great demand as the wave of post COVID anxiety, depression and loneliness takes hold. But uncertainty still exists within PCNs as to what skill mix works best within a Link Worker team, and how best to recruit, employ and deploy them across the PCN to deliver the greatest possible impact

This web workshop will present and discuss a range of different models that have been adopted by PCNs and Link Worker schemes across the UK, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each and help delegates to determine which model is most appropriate and advantageous for their own PCN. The session starts by bringing delegates up to date on the latest timelines and options for recruitment of the 11 additional roles available within the ARRS and discusses the flexibility that exists in the mix of roles recruited. No two PCNs are the same and we examine the wide range of different factors and circumstances that will influence and determine your decision as to the most appropriate Link Worker model to adopt.

We then take an in-depth analysis of the variety of different models that have been adopted by PCNs around the UK and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each – the relative weight of each being dependent on the circumstances and strategic direction of the individual PCN. Each model will require different levels of buy-in, engagement and involvement from member Practices and we discuss how the PCN’s current structure and level of inter-Practice collaboration can impact the decision on which model to adopt.

We then examine some of the key support elements that PCNs need to put in place to ensure the long-term success of their Link Worker teams. These include ensuring access to GP IT systems and providing IT and communications support, through putting in place clinical supervision and deciding on evaluation measures and performance measurement criteria, to arranging training and induction.

Aims & Objectives

Aims & Objectives:

• To provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the different models available in the employment and deployment of their Social Prescribing team
• To understand the advantages and disadvantages of each model and how each are related to the PCN’s current structure, degree of integration and strategic direction
• To appreciate the structural and support measures that need to be put in place by the PCN to ensure the long-term success of the Social Prescribing team