Speaking the Same Language – The Development of a Glossary of Terms for Social Prescribing in Wales

Introduction: Social prescribing can facilitate the integration of health, social care and community support but has a diverse and confusing terminology that impairs cross-sectoral communication and creates barriers to engagement.

Methods: To address this issue a mixed-methods approach that incorporated a scoping review, a group concept mapping study and consultation was employed to identify and classify the terminology associated with social prescribing. The findings were then used to inform the development of a glossary of terms for social prescribing.

Results: Many terms are used interchangeably to describe the same specific aspects of social prescribing. Much of the terminology originates from the health and social care literature of England.

Discussion: The terminology used in the academic literature may not accurately reflect the terminology used by the social prescribing workforce. The innovative and interactive glossary of terms identifies the terminology associated with social prescribing and provides additional contextual information. The process of developing the dual language glossary presented several considerations and challenges.

Conclusion: The glossary of terms will facilitate cross-sector communication and reduce barriers to engagement with social prescribing. It takes an important first step to help clarify and standardise the language associated with social prescribing, for professionals and members of the public alike.