CARE06028 2021 Social Prescribing 4: Evidence Informed Practice

Define what 'evidence' means in the context of Social Prescribing.

Describe methods for gathering evidence / conducting evaluations.

Identify techniques for interpreting evidence / evaluation data.

Demonstrate mechanisms for presenting evidence.

Social Prescribing recognises that people and communities are unequally impacted by social determinants of health. It is envisaged that members of these marginalised communities may seek to address this inequality through becoming Social Prescribers / Link Workers. It is therefore imperative that this module avoids compounding this social inequality by removing barriers and making the module as accessible to as diverse a groups of students as possible. 

To this end, this module has been developed in accordance with the principles of universal design. This module will be delivered entirely online and recorded so students can access course material at a time that suits them. Online lectures will be delivered with full regard to the different learning styles of students and therefore have seeing (images), reading (text) and hearing (voice recording) components. Lectures will be supported by live online tutorials where students can ask questions, engage in discussion groups, participate in online activities and network with others, Students will also be able to communicate with their lecturer via online platforms e.g. MS Teams, Moodle or email. All module material will be made available to students via Moodle, MS Teams or other online platforms.

In order to accommodate diverse learning styles and online delivery, 100 % of assessments for this module will be based on individual projects. Further, in line with the inclusive principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) this module will offer students several modes of assessment that can accommodate diverse learning styles, including written essays/reports; infographics (poster / illustrated book); recorded presentations (PowerPoint).

Students are required to complete two assessments for this module each worth 50%. Students must pass both to pass the module.

In the first assessment entitled Evidence Informed Practice: Gathering Evidence (50%) students will design a data gathering mechanism e.g. participant profile form. This will be accompanied by a rationale explaining the purpose of the information sought and how the legal and ethical obligations have been addressed e.g. GDPR. 

In the second assessment entitled Evidence Informed Practice: Presenting Evidence (50%) students will be given a detailed profile of a fictional Social Prescribing organisation. Drawing on the evidence embedded in this profile students must identify what is working and what needs changing. Students will use this information to develop one of the following:

• Compile a short report with recommendations
• Complete a funding application justifying expenditure
• Design an information leaflet / poster to encourage participation.

Where students fail an assessment they will be given feedback on why they have failed and required to complete a repeat assignment, which can be submitted via different modes depending on the student's learning style and personal preference. Repeat assignment will assess the same learning outcomes as the failed assignment but through satisfying a different brief.

LO1. Define what 'evidence' means in the context of Social Prescribing.

• Evidence Informed Practice - meaning and purpose
• Evidence - what it is and what it does - data, evaluation and recommendation. 
• Subjective evidence / data gathering - e.g. participant interests.
• Objective evidence / data gathering -  e.g. participant numbers.
• Legal and ethical obligations of gathering and storing personal data, including GDPR.

LO2. Describe methods for gathering evidence / conducting evaluations

• What constitutes evidence (what can be measured) e.g. participant wellbeing / GP visits
• Addressing difficulties of gathering data, e.g. participant reticence
• Understanding the difference between personal and sensitive information
• Understanding the difference between qualitative and quantitative information 
• Introduction to quantitative evidence gathering methods - forms & surveys
• Introduction to qualitative evidence gathering methods - case studies, interviews & questionnaires
• Using Validated tools 1: Gathering Data (WHO 5 Wellbeing Index and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale)

LO3. Identify techniques for interpreting evidence / evaluation data.

• Introduction to basic numerical analysis - collating figures
• Introduction to basic interpretive analysis - understanding experiences
• Using Validated tools 2: Interpreting Data (WHO 5 Wellbeing Index and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale)
• Digital tools - e.g. Elemental Social Prescribing Software and QualityMetric SF36 Health Assessment. 

LO4. Demonstrate mechanisms for presenting evidence. 

• Structuring reports
• Compiling presentations
• Designing posters / infographics
• Writing funding applications