A social prescribing pilot reduced costs and health care use among individuals with more frequent primary care visits.  

Background 

Social prescribing can link patients with community-based, non-medical sources of support, which can offer an alternative to traditional medical models of care. There is a growing interest in measuring cost savings of these interventions. This study examined whether a five-month social prescribing pilot program in four primary care practices in Wales was associated with changes in health care utilization and costs, particularly for individuals who frequently attend primary care practices.  

Findings  

A group of 78 patients were referred to the pilot program by providers at participating practices. Participants were referred to the program due to low mood, isolation, anxiety, depression, and stress. When comparing participant encounter data from 12-months before the five-month intervention, there was a decrease in the number of primary care visits and prescriptions dispensed amongst participants, corresponding with an estimated cost savings of £78.37 per participant. These reductions were more pronounced for individuals with more frequent primary care visits. 

Program/Policy Takeaways 

Social prescribing interventions may reduce health care use, prescription use, and demonstrate cost savings for individuals who experience isolation, depression, or other symptoms. Providers, health systems, and health plans may consider targeting this intervention to individuals with frequent health care provider visits.