Social Prescribing integration in the care pathway of people living with Osteoarthritis
Introduction
Research Area:
Social Prescribing / Osteoarthritis
What is the research about?
SPECS OA aim to understand if and how Social Prescribing can help improve the lives of people living with Osteoarthritis (OA).
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 500 million people worldwide. It causes long term pain, reduced mobility, and often leads to isolation, low physical activity, and poorer physical and mental health. Although exercise and healthy habits are recommended as first line treatment, many people find it hard to stay active and self-manage once formal healthcare support ends.
Social Prescribing connects people with non medical community activities, such as exercise classes, walking groups, social clubs, gardening, and arts programmes, to support their health and wellbeing. It may help people with OA stay active, feel less isolated, and improve their quality of life, while also reducing healthcare needs. However, there is still limited research on how social prescribing may work for people with OA.
This project has three main phases:
– Phase 1: Evidence review
We will look at studies from around the world to understand the effects and costs of Social Prescribing for people with long term conditions, including OA.
– Phase 2: Local experiences
We will interview with health professionals, link workers, and people with OA to understand how Social Prescribing is currently used, who benefits most, and what challenges exist. Additionally we will assess and follow a group of people with OA, to understand the effects of social prescribing.
– Phase 3 – Building recommendations
Using everything we learn from phases 1 and 2, we will work with international experts and patients to develop recommendations for future research and implementation of social prescribing/community referrals in people with OA.
SPECS-OA project may contribute to improve how care is delivered for people with OA and other chronic conditions, strengthening the role of community in health promotion. It can enhance the integration between healthcare with community services and guide the development of Social Prescribing at national and international levels.
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
We expect to conduct 3–4 online meetings via MS Teams until August 2027. Each meeting will last up to 90 minutes.
Contact between meetings:
We may ask the PPI Panel by email to review documents circulated in advance of the meeting and provide comments from a patient perspective, where appropriate.
Length of involvement:
17 months
Start date for involvement:
01/03/2026
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
We will contact members of the PPI Panel by email or, if preferred, by phone to arrange a suitable meeting time. The MS Teams link will be shared via email. Meetings will be facilitated by two members of the research team, Dr Daniela Costa and Prof Helen French, and will include other members of the PPI Panel.
If in person, explain where:
Not applicable
Other ways of communicating:
Email/Phone/WhatsApp/Zoom calls/In person (depending on the participants preference)
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
Research started
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
No
Closing date to contact researchers:
30/04/2026
Research Team
Contact person:
Daniela Costa / danielacosta@rcsi.com
University/organisation:
RCSI School of Physiotherapy
Contact email:
danielacosta@rcsi.com
Researcher background:
Dr Daniela Costa is a postdoctoral researcher with a background in physiotherapy. Her research has focused on developing innovative strategies to improve care and health outcomes of people living with Osteoarthritis. She works alongside a team of senior researchers with backgrounds such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, general practice, and psychology. Together, they bring expertise in Social Prescribing, musculoskeletal and chronic disease care, implementation science, and physical activity.
Research funder:
European Commission
Photo:
Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
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