JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital social prescription refers to social prescription that has been facilitated through the use of technology. Digital social prescription tools recommending non-medical activities may be of benefit to people with mental illness. As these tools are novel and recently emerging, little is known about their potential advantages and disadvantages.

Objective:

In this article, we aim to identify the potential benefits and challenges that may arise from digital social prescription.

Methods:

We developed a qualitative questionnaire, which was disseminated through social media (Facebook, Twitter). The questionnaire asked participants to give a definition of digital social prescription as well as their views relating to digital social prescription. A SWOT framework was used to analyse responses.

Results:

The main strengths of digital social prescription identified were: cost-effectiveness, faster access to services and improved user-experience. The main weaknesses were: difficulty using the tool, the tool not being appropriate for some groups, lack of human connection, poor patient engagement and problems with maintaining a list of activities. The main opportunities were: increased access to social prescription services and prevention of serious mental illness. The main threats were: bias against certain groups, patients being subject to unintended negative consequences and issues relating to confidentiality and data protection.

Conclusions:

Although digital social prescription may be able to effectively augment social prescription, careful consideration of data ethics is imperative in the design and implementation of such technologies.