Social Prescribing Student Champions
Since its inception in 2016, the Social Prescribing Student Champion Scheme has been at the forefront of transforming healthcare education in the UK. By emphasising the principles of social prescribing, personalised care, and addressing the wider determinants of health, the scheme has made remarkable progress in reshaping the curricula of future healthcare professionals.
The achievements of the scheme are undeniably impressive. Over the past 7 years, 782 student champions from 87 universities have delivered 1,500 peer-teaching sessions. The scheme has successfully facilitated the integration of social prescribing into medical school curricula, including a dedicated social prescribing module at Imperial College London and compulsory learning materials at Exeter Medical School. The scheme has fostered collaboration by organising three impactful national conferences, drawing the participation of over 500 attendees. These events have provided a platform for passionate individuals to exchange insights, experiences, and innovative ideas. Peer-reviewed publications by the scheme have demonstrated the value of social prescribing, and the scheme’s launch of the world's first Social Prescribing Day in 2018 raises global awareness and inspires action for improving healthcare outcomes through social prescribing. To find out more about the achievements of the Social Prescribing Student Champions Scheme read the report here.
Fast forward to the present, the Social Prescribing Student Champion Scheme has evolved into a multi-center national project. Led by passionate healthcare trainees and students, the scheme has garnered support from key national organisations including the National Academy for Social Prescribing, NHS England and the College of Medicine, to name a few. This collaborative effort amplifies the scheme's impact and reflects the widespread endorsement of its mission.
Alexandra's journey: Why is it important?
Alexandra took a social prescribing optional module as part of her primary care block in her 3rd year of medical school. One critical issue that they delved into was the alarming problem of overprescribing. The statistics they encountered left her in disbelief. Over 10% of medications prescribed in primary care are unnecessary, resulting in an annual waste of approximately 2 billion pounds on 'unnecessary' medications*.
Learning this led Alexandra to reflect on her medical education. How had such a critical problem been overlooked? Why was it only in her third year that she had been exposed to this aspect of medical practice? It became evident to her that there was a pressing need to address the gaps in their training to ensure that future healthcare professionals are equipped to combat overprescribing effectively.
Now, as a Student Champion at NASP, Alexandra's aim is to empower fellow students and healthcare professionals to embrace social prescribing. There has been solid evidence of its effectiveness, and by spreading this knowledge and encouraging its implementation, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of patients and the wider NHS.
Alexandra Tan - Social Prescribing Student Champion
What can students do?
Students have the power to reshape the narrative around overprescribing and promote the integration of social prescribing into curriculum. Here are some actions students can take:
- Advocate: Engage with professors, curriculum committees, and student organisations to highlight the need for a comprehensive education that addresses overprescribing and promotes a patient-centred approach.
- Connect: During clinical rotations, reach out to the social prescribing link worker in your GP practice. Take the opportunity to learn about their role and its impact on patient care.
- Engage: Share informative tweets, Instagram posts, or articles highlighting the benefits and evidence supporting social prescribing to your network.
- Apply: Consider applying to become a Student Champion in the Social Prescribing Student Champion Scheme! Champions actively contribute to the promotion of social prescribing and collaborate with other passionate individuals.
Embracing social prescribing can help shape a healthcare system that is more holistic, patient-centred and sustainable.
