Why a flexible directory of services should be the backbone of your social prescribing programme
A typical directory of service (DOS) is a centralised portal which captures and showcases the key assets in your community. As a result, the directory of service enables those who make and manage community wellbeing referrals to better connect people with social prescribing programmes and services suited to their needs.
But are these standard directories enough to present the right social prescribing services for everyone?
The problem with traditional directories of services
- The patient may not be confident enough to contact the programme/ service provider listed on the DOS
- Lack of information about programmes and services
- Often contain outdated and inaccurate information about programmes and services
- Difficult to prove that the services listed have been quality assured
- The impact of referrals made from the DOS are often not measured or tracked
Benefits of a flexible directory of service
- An up to date and supported directory of services creates a tailored and personalised care plan pathway
- Provides real time information about local support services across all care settings
- Interoperability options mean patients only need to describe their symptoms once, enabling them to be shown the correct available service for their symptoms without repeat triage
- Provides information about the most appropriate care for an individual
- Actively engages the patient in browsing through and selecting options that suit their needs/ availability
- Reduces the burden on urgent and emergency and secondary care settings by avoiding unnecessary hospital referrals
Why your directory needs to be flexible
Recognising the need to share data across multiple sectors, Elemental Software offers a flexible directory of service module within it’s award winning platform. With the module, users can filter services by theme, location, service type or keywords to suit the specific needs of the individual.
By implementing our live and interactive database of services, you can:
- Become a more active partner within your social prescribing programme with access to add, update and manage your programmes/ services/ activities
- Receive instant social prescribing referrals
- Upload images and testimonials of what’s happening in your community so as to help people feel more confident about taking part
- Build in a specific criteria for your DOS that gives confidence to those making referrals
- Provide detailed activity reports to your funders by accessing data on referral receiving, activation and engagement
- Understand the demand for the programmes and services in your community and identify the gaps in provision
Enhance your Social Prescribing programme
If you’d like to hear more about setting up a live and interactive database suited to the needs of your community, or receive and report on social prescribing referrals via your existing directory of services, contact us or request a demo below.
Serena Terry
