Healthcare Professionals See Benefits and Barriers to Social Prescribing in Child Weight Management

What is it about?

The study explored the current understanding and use of social prescribing among healthcare professionals in specialist weight management services for children in England. A national survey was conducted between April and July 2023, targeting professionals within Complications of Excess Weight (CEW) clinics. The methodology involved distributing an online survey, designed using Qualtrics, to collect data on how social prescribing is perceived and used in these clinics. Thirty-eight completed surveys from various clinics across England were analysed. The findings indicated that healthcare professionals generally understood social prescribing and were open to its use, with anticipated benefits such as improved wellbeing and increased physical activity opportunities for families. However, barriers were identified, including limited staff capacity and a need for more training and support to effectively connect with community services. The study concluded that while social prescribing holds potential in these clinics, successful implementation requires additional resources and training to foster collaboration between clinical services and community-based services.

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Why is it important?

Addressing childhood obesity is a global priority due to its increasing prevalence and the significant physical and mental health impacts on young people. Social prescribing has emerged as a promising approach to provide additional, personalized support for children and young people living with obesity, potentially reducing health inequalities. This study explores the current understanding and application of social prescribing within specialist weight management services in England, highlighting its potential benefits and the need for resources and training to support its effective implementation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies that leverage social prescribing to improve the wellbeing of young people affected by obesity. Key Takeaways Addressing childhood obesity is a global priority due to its increasing prevalence and the significant physical and mental health impacts on young people. Social prescribing has the potential to provide additional, personalised support for children and young people living with obesity, potentially reducing health inequalities. This study explores the current understanding and application of social prescribing within specialist weight management services in England, highlighting its potential benefits and the need for resources and training to support its effective implementation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies that leverage social prescribing to improve the wellbeing of young people affected by obesity. Key Takeaways: 1. Understanding and Willingness: Healthcare professionals in specialist weight management services across England generally understand social prescribing and are open to its use, recognising its potential to enhance the wellbeing of young people living with obesity. 2. Anticipated Benefits: The study identifies potential benefits of social prescribing, including improved wellbeing and increased opportunities for physical activity and family support, which are crucial for addressing the wider health challenges associated with childhood obesity. 3. Implementation Barriers: Significant barriers to implementing social prescribing include limited staff capacity and the need for more training and support to identify suitable community-based services, highlighting the necessity for additional resources and support to foster collaboration between clinical and community services.