CHOICES-HI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CHOICES-HI: CHildren and young people’s Options In the Community for Enhancing wellbeing Support through Hospital-Initiated social prescribing.
IRAS ID
364512
Contact name
Vashti Berry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Children and young people diagnosed with diabetes are at increased risk of experiencing mental health difficulties, particularly within the first year after diagnosis. Hospital teams recognise this risk and offer a range of support services. However, much of this support is reactive, focusing on addressing problems once they arise rather than preventing them. Earlier intervention could help improve wellbeing and reduce the likelihood of longer-term issues. One promising approach is social prescribing, which is widely used in primary care. It involves connecting individuals with non-medical, community-based activities—such as sports, arts, or peer support—to enhance health and wellbeing.
This project aims to inform a future study that will compare different approaches to supporting the mental health of young people with diabetes in hospital settings. To design this study effectively, four key areas need further exploration.
First, we will map existing wellbeing support for young people with diabetes, including national guidance and variation across local services.
Second, we will examine how social prescribing could be implemented in paediatric hospital settings, including workforce models, training needs, and costs.
Third, we will identify meaningful outcomes, considering what success looks like for young people, healthcare professionals, and service commissioners.
Finally, we will gather information to guide the design of a future evaluation study, including decisions about intervention and comparison groups.
Over 12 months, we will use a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews, group discussions, and a review of existing literature. The work will involve close collaboration with two hospital paediatric diabetes teams, alongside input from sites already delivering social prescribing.
Engagement with young people and stakeholders is central to the project. Young people with lived experience will help shape and guide the research, supported by a dedicated youth engagement lead. We will also involve clinicians, link workers, and commissioners to ensure the findings are relevant and practical.
This work will lay the foundation for a future study evaluating the impact and cost-effectiveness of hospital-led social prescribing, contributing to improved early support for young people with diabetes.
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0502
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion