Emotion-Mind Dynamic (EMD): Face-to-face and online blended-learning life coaching for a social prescribing intervention to support mental health and wellbeing: Protocol for a Social Return on Investment evaluation
Authors: Lynch M. , Makanjuola A , Hartfiel N. , Cuthbert A. , Winrow E. , Edwards R.T. 
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The NHS is experiencing increased pressures due to an ageing population and rising health inequalities. GPs spend almost a fifth of their patient facing time addressing non-medical problems such as social isolation, financial struggles, and bereavement. Recent research suggests that holistic approaches linking social care to primary care may be cost-effective in supporting patients. Social Prescribing (SP) is an approach which could help individuals by sign posting and referral to non-clinical services, which can promote improvements in mental health and wellbeing, building resilience using community assets. The EmotionMind Dynamic (EMD) is a lifestyle coaching programme that supports individuals suffering from anxiety or depression referred from the health and social care sectors. EMD offers a unique, non-clinical mixed-modality approach combining coaching, mentoring, counselling skills, teaching and mindfulness. EMD is an adaptable, guided self-help tool that can be used as a preventative, supportive or reactive measure for improving mental health and wellbeing.

Methods

SROI methodology will be used to evaluate the EMD service. The aim of the SROI analysis is to develop a programme-level theory of change to establish how inputs (e.g. costs, staffing) are converted into outputs (e.g. numbers of clients seen), and subsequently into outcomes that matter to clients impacted by EMD coaching (e.g. improved mental wellbeing). Fifty participants will be recruited including clients who have completed the EMD programme and new clients participating in the online blended learning format. Face-to-face and blended learning formats will offer six sessions over a three-month period. A mixed-method approach will collect quantitative and qualitative from questionnaires and interviews. Outcomes will measure improvements in mental wellbeing and self-efficacy. Wellbeing valuation will be applied to quantify and value outcomes. Social value ratios will be generated from two value sets, one from the Social Value Bank and the other from the Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval of this proposed study has been granted by the Medical and Health Sciences ethics committee, Bangor University. A final report will be presented to key stakeholders and research findings will be published in peer reviewed journals

Article Summary

Strengths and limitations of this study

The first study to undertake a SROI analysis on lifestyle coaching to improve mental wellbeing resilience

Applies a mixed-method approach using both quantitative and qualitative data, using valid and reliable outcome measures

Researchers working with the same data may arrive at different SROI ratios

The matching of outcomes from proposed study data with the most appropriate SVB value will depend on the research team’s discretion and agreement. This could potentially introduce researcher bias and the likelihood that potential estimates of social value generated could be upward-biased