10.15131/shef.data.5629204.v1 Janet Harris Janet Harris Abu Abualbashir Abu Abualbashir Robert Akparibo Robert Akparibo Steve Ariss Steve Ariss Annette Haywood Annette Haywood Fabrizio Messina Fabrizio Messina John Soady John Soady Tracey Young Tracey Young Shifting Demand for Non Medical Services Evaluation Report The University of Sheffield 2017 health promotion strategies community link workers Health Promotion Primary Health Care Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified 2017-11-27 15:01:32 Dataset https://orda.shef.ac.uk/articles/dataset/Shifting_Demand_for_Non_Medical_Services_Evaluation_Report/5629204 This evaluation looked at the feasibility and utility of a city-wide, brief intervention provided by community support workers to link people with non-medical issues to a range of services and support. The GP referral system effectively identified people at high risk of avoidable hospital admissions. Over 90% of patients referred received an assessment from a community support worker (CSW). The approach used by CSWs was consistent with the international evidence base for providing effective peer support. Clients initially self-reported reduced anxiety and social isolation. After being linked, however, there were delays in getting needs met, leading to disengagement and return to the high risk group. Effectiveness of the service is dependent upon the capacity and responsiveness of the sectors to which clients are referred.<br>