Abstract
Background
Social prescribing inherently embodies a co-productive nature, particularly within the 'holistic' model, facilitated by the pivotal role of Link Workers. Most of the attention is focused on collecting evidence about the micro-level relationship between Link Workers and their clients. However, little is known about how this co-productive relationship influences or is influenced by value co-creation at different levels, given the involvement of multiple actors in delivering the intervention. To advance research on the operational processes underlying social prescribing, we propose a conceptual framework utilizing the Service Ecosystems perspective investigating the application of Social Prescribing with young people in NEET situation in Italy.
Methods
We conducted a single case study as part of the European C.O.P.E. - Capabilities, Opportunities, Places, and Engagement – initiative, examining the implementation of social prescribing targeting young NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) in Italy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 27 participants including 6 members of the C.O.P.E. coordination team, 6 link workers and 15 young people aged 15–34 years old.
Results
Main findings are presented showing the ecosystem dynamic at each phase of the intervention: the referral process; co-production of an individualised action plan; connection and activation of community assets.
Discussion
The research shows how Social Prescribing is not a linear path but rather a complex intervention with multiple interacting elements across ecosystems layers. The dyadic relationship between Link Workers and their clients is not an isolated process and Social Prescribing works along care services to support continuity of care. The service ecosystem perspective is a valuable frame to investigate the dynamic interactions between actors and how their resource integrating process and institutional arrangements foster the emergence of opportunities previously unrecognised to support an invisible and hard to reach target group as the young people in a NEET situation.