Interoperability between clinical electronic patient record and social prescribing systems: The Life Rooms service evaluation

Background: Interoperability in healthcare has been defined as the capability of various healthcare information systems to connect, exchange data and collaborate in a coordinated manner. The critical role of interoperability between clinical systems in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency is well established. However, the value of connecting clinical and non-clinical systems remains underexplored. To enable holistic care, non-clinical services such as social prescribing should be integrated within routine clinical pathways, ensuring patients’ social needs are met by specialised services without adding to the workload of clinical teams. Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust became the first NHS Trust in the UK to have interoperability between clinical electronic patient record (EPR) and social prescribing systems (Rio & Elemental), through The Life Rooms service. This evaluation aimed to explore the impact of interoperability between clinical EPR (Rio) and social prescribing (Elemental) systems, to understand the benefits for clinical teams and those accessing The Life Rooms. Methods : This evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, case studies, and service activity data. Participants consisted of clinicians who used the interoperability function to refer service users to The Life Rooms, as well as the service users who were referred. Results: A total of 207 clinicians from secondary mental health teams made 1,396 referrals to The Life Rooms social prescribing service through the interoperability feature. Surveyed clinicians supplied feedback on their experience of utilising this interoperability. Thematic analysis of clinician feedback revealed three key themes: maximising clinical time by minimising administrative burdens, broadening care pathways through interoperability, and visibility of patient journeys. Following system interoperability, 97.2% of clinicians surveyed reported increased confidence in addressing patients’ social needs and reported a 70% reduction in time spent addressing social concerns during clinical appointments. Additionally, 92.6% of service users surveyed reported improvements in mental wellbeing following their referral to The Life Rooms. Conclusion: In conclusion, the interoperability between clinical EPR and social prescribing systems has demonstrated significant benefits for secondary mental health teams, enabling clinicians to address patients' social needs with greater confidence and efficiency, while providing a more comprehensive picture of their patients’ care.