The framework asks SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. to demonstrate the impact of social prescribing — and feedback from the people they support and from MDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. colleagues is an important part of that picture.
Two surveys
The WHIS— World Health Innovation SummitEstablished in 2015 to improve health and wellbeing outcomes through innovation, education and partnerships. Co-developer (with GSPA) of the WHIS Social Prescribing Link Worker programme. & GSPA— Global Social Prescribing AllianceInternational alliance of social prescribing practitioners, researchers and partner organisations working to grow the social prescribing workforce globally. Co-developer (with WHIS) of this programme. Portfolio of Evidence includes two short feedback surveys:
Patient feedback — for the people you have supported. Captures their experience of the SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. relationship, the relevance of the support offered, and what could be improved.
Colleague feedback — for primary care, hospital, or VCSE— Voluntary, Community and Social EnterpriseSector encompassing charities, community groups and social enterprises. Sometimes called the 'third sector', 'nonprofit sector' or 'civil society' in other countries. colleagues. Captures MDT— Multidisciplinary teamA team of professionals from different disciplines working together with the person at the centre. integration, referral process clarity, communication, and whether SPLW— Social Prescribing Link WorkerA role that supports people to access community-based services, groups and activities to meet practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing. Used internationally; equivalents in some countries include 'link worker', 'community connector' or 'health navigator'. work has impact for patients colleagues refer.
Why both matter
Patient feedback shows whether the work is doing what it's meant to do for the people it's there for.
Colleague feedback shows whether the role is integrated as the framework requires — and whether there are operational issues (referral pathway, communication, role clarity) that need attention.
How to use them well
Anonymous by default. Use anonymous references — never names — unless you have explicit consent.
Make them easy. A long survey gets few responses. Both tools deliberately ask only the most useful questions.
Follow up qualitatively. Sometimes a follow-up call to ask "what made you say that?" gives you ten times more useful information than the score itself.
Bring trends to supervision. A pattern across responses is more interesting than any one response.
