Activities per year
Abstract
Study Objectives
To examine the potential applicability of social prescribing (SP) for postvention support, for bereavement support and for improved mental health.
Methods
A systematic review was carried out to search for peer-reviewed journal articles on four major online databases: Web of Science; PsychINFO; Medline; and EMBASE. We included quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods research, from any field or discipline, with a focus on social prescribing, for mental health and/or bereavement and/or suicide bereavement. We included studies that focus on outcomes of social prescribing schemes rather than effectiveness of individual interventions.
Results
Across 102 identified articles, 28 studies met our criteria, including two reviews, with 21 representing a UK perspective. Publication dates were between 2008-2017. Despite extensive searching, no published evidence met our review criteria for the application of SP schemes for people bereaved by suicide, or other types of bereavement support, highlighting a gap in the literature. Mental health outcomes were the focus of all studies meeting the criteria. The findings suggest that social prescribing can reduce loneliness and social isolation as well as enhancing psychological outcomes for people experiencing mental health problems, in line with similar published reviews. Overall, the effects of social prescribing interventions have been positive, from the perspective of the participants, the referring health care professionals, and the programme facilitators.
Conclusion
Our conclusions support the need for more robust methods and consistent reporting in the evaluation of social prescribing schemes. The available evidence for SP's effectiveness at addressing wider mental health needs could be more robust. In relation to social functioning, isolation, self-efficacy and stigma, the emerging evidence speaks to specific suicide risk factors that are seen in those experiencing prolonged grief, including suicide bereavement. This suggests that testing SP for effectiveness in people bereaved by suicide who have similar identified needs, is warranted.
To examine the potential applicability of social prescribing (SP) for postvention support, for bereavement support and for improved mental health.
Methods
A systematic review was carried out to search for peer-reviewed journal articles on four major online databases: Web of Science; PsychINFO; Medline; and EMBASE. We included quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods research, from any field or discipline, with a focus on social prescribing, for mental health and/or bereavement and/or suicide bereavement. We included studies that focus on outcomes of social prescribing schemes rather than effectiveness of individual interventions.
Results
Across 102 identified articles, 28 studies met our criteria, including two reviews, with 21 representing a UK perspective. Publication dates were between 2008-2017. Despite extensive searching, no published evidence met our review criteria for the application of SP schemes for people bereaved by suicide, or other types of bereavement support, highlighting a gap in the literature. Mental health outcomes were the focus of all studies meeting the criteria. The findings suggest that social prescribing can reduce loneliness and social isolation as well as enhancing psychological outcomes for people experiencing mental health problems, in line with similar published reviews. Overall, the effects of social prescribing interventions have been positive, from the perspective of the participants, the referring health care professionals, and the programme facilitators.
Conclusion
Our conclusions support the need for more robust methods and consistent reporting in the evaluation of social prescribing schemes. The available evidence for SP's effectiveness at addressing wider mental health needs could be more robust. In relation to social functioning, isolation, self-efficacy and stigma, the emerging evidence speaks to specific suicide risk factors that are seen in those experiencing prolonged grief, including suicide bereavement. This suggests that testing SP for effectiveness in people bereaved by suicide who have similar identified needs, is warranted.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | 30th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention |
Subtitle of host publication | "Breaking Down Walls & Building Bridges” |
Publisher | International Association for Suicide Prevention |
Publication status | Published - 20 Sept 2019 |
Event | 30th Annual Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention: Breaking Down Walls & Building Bridges - Millennium Forum, Derry, Ireland Duration: 17 Sept 2019 → 21 Sept 2019 https://www.iasp2019.com/ https://www.iasp2019.com/conference-program |
Conference
Conference | 30th Annual Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention |
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Abbreviated title | IASP Annual Congress |
Country/Territory | Ireland |
City | Derry |
Period | 17/09/2019 → 21/09/2019 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- Suicide bereavement
- Suicide prevention
- postvention
- Systematic Review
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Social prescribing for bereavement support, postvention support and for improving mental health: a systematic review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Activities
- 1 Participation in conference
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Social Prescribing Link Workers Conference
Galway, K. (Participant)
09 Dec 2020Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
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Explorations of the impact of suicide on social and healthcare interactions and relationships; complexity in support needs. Symposium, Postvention
Galway, K., Pitman, A. & Scott, H., 18 Sept 2019, 30th World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention “Breaking Down Walls & Building Bridges”: Conference Programme. International Association for Suicide PreventionResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
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Adapting Digital Social Prescribing for Suicide Bereavement Support
Galway, K., Mallon, S., Best, P. & Santin, O., 26 Sept 2018, p. 16-17. 2 p.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review