Is a social prescription under prescribed within radiography departments?

Background: Social prescribing complements clinical care by signposting individuals to services that promote health and wellbeing, such as smoking cessation and recreational activities, without employing medical prescriptions. UK health and wellbeing indicators suggest increasing need for preventative approaches. Radiographers can support this through ‘making every contact count,’ enhancing brief interactions with patients to promote healthy lifestyles (PHE, 2020). However, it has been demonstrated that that 50% of Allied Health Professionals do not know how to signpost patients, with radiographers significantly implicated in this figure (PHE, 2019). Despite available frameworks (SoR, 2020; Lowe & Hindle, 2025), uptake within radiography departments remains limited.

Purpose: This poster explores social prescribing as a practice tool in radiography, reviewing the evidence base supporting its effectiveness, outlining existing frameworks available to radiographers, and examining barriers to implementation within diagnostic imaging departments.

Summary of Content: Evidence synthesized from 18 sources demonstrates substantial benefits of social prescribing initiatives. Financial analysis shows returns between £2.14-£8.56 for every £1 invested, while clinical data indicates 15.4%-23.6% reduction in hospital attendance following social prescription access (NASP, 2024). Practical frameworks are presented including the Society of Radiographers’ AHP Social Prescribing Framework (2020), HCPC Standards of Proficiency (HCPC, 2023), and the new AHP Public Health Strategic Framework 2025-30 (Lowe & Hindle, 2025). Barriers to implementation are examined alongside practical guidance on incorporating ‘making every contact count’ ideals into routine radiographic practice. It is demonstrated how social prescribing aligns with professional standards and supports radiographers in expanding their contribution to preventative healthcare.