Mary Lynch
Biographic Data
| ID | 6251462 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Mary Lynch |
| GIVEN NAMES | Mary |
| FAMILY NAME | Lynch |
| SIGNATURE | LYNCH M |
| AFFILIATIONS | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-6887-3447 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 23 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 14 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 23 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1996 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Economic evidence related to the use of community assets in the management of frailty
The health economics of social prescribing
Background Social prescribing is an approach to improving health and wellbeing that links individuals to community-based supports, such as arts programs, physical activity initiatives, financial or housing advice, volunteering opportunities, and social groups. Although evidence supporting its effects on physical, functional, and mental health outcomes is expanding, no systematic review of the international evidence has yet assessed the health eco…
A systematic review investigating emerging trends between Extreme Weather Events (EWEs) and infectious disease outbreaks in South Africa
Introduction: Extreme weather events (EWEs) are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, exacerbating health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Infectious diseases are climate-sensitive, yet microbial dynamics during and after EWEs remain poorly understood. This systematic review examines if there are emerging trends and associations in infectious disease outbreaks and health care following EWEs in South Africa. M…
Exploring the Impact of Human Rights in the Nursing Home Sector in Ireland
Background: Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that all individuals should enjoy with the expectation that all persons are treated with fairness, respect, equality and dignity. In the nursing home sector, adherence to human rights should take account of residents inputting on decisions on their lives and participating as fully as possible in decisions about their care and support. The ever-growing demands on care systems in Ireland ha…
Warning system for Extreme weather events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable delivery, and Resilience (Weather) Project
Background: Extreme Weather Events (EWE’) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa are increasingly common causing disease outbreaks, loss of homes, property and life with pressure on the health system. An Early Warning System (EWS) intervention is needed to alert communities and government, to increase preparedness for floods, improving resilience of health services to predict, detect and respond to emergencies and potential disease outbrea…
Exploration of Social Impact of the 'Art of Life' Project
Background: Creativity can have a real impact, helping people to process and express emotion, and maintain human connection. The ‘Art of Life’ is a project delivered on the island of Ireland and is a cross-border project aimed at normalising conversations around death and dying using creative approaches. This is a collaborative project to maximise reach within communities located in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to build a lasting …
Social prescribing for socially isolated older adults in rural Japan
Introduction: Social prescribing (SP) has not yet been officially introduced in Japan. This qualitative case study aimed to identify the challenges and facilitating factors in the implementation of SP among the socially isolated older population in Akita Prefecture, Japan, based on the perspectives of general practitioners (GP), link workers (LW), and patients. Method: = 4). Results: Participants (GP and LW) emphasized that SP needed to be tailor…
The economics of home support services in Ireland
Background: Home support is a critical yet under-recognized component of public health and aging policy, with economic perspectives often overlooked in workforce and system planning. This paper explores the economics of home support services in Ireland, against a backdrop of increasing demand for home care driven by aging populations and workforce supply challenges. Aims: To provide a comprehensive overview of the economic challenges faced by the…
A scoping review of the economic evidence to support the development of career pathways for home care support workers
Introduction: The ever-growing demands on care systems have increased reliance on Home Care Support Worker’s (HCSW’s) which has seen a shift to provision of care away to community based and close to home care provision. Currently there is no clear outline of a career pathway nor career development for HCSW’s, and this lack of associated framework which recognises CPD for career progression is impacting on recruiting and retaining HCSW’s within th…
Enhancing student wellbeing through nature-based social prescribing
Social Prescribing links individuals to community assets to enhance wellbeing. • Nature-based Social Prescribing is signposting individuals to activities in nature. • NBSP generates between GBP £1.45 and £2.38 of social value per pound invested. • NBSP offers support to student mental health and wellbeing in higher education. Social prescribing (SP) is a non-clinical approach connecting citizens to community support to better manage their health …
Health Economics-Informed Social Return on Investment (SROI) Analysis of a Nature-Based Social Prescribing Craft and Horticulture Programme for Mental Health and Well-Being
Demand for mental health support has exerted unprecedented pressure on statutory services. Innovative solutions such as Green or Nature-Based Social Prescribing (NBSP) programmes may help address unmet need, improve access to personalised treatment, and support the sustainable delivery of primary services within a prevention model of population health. We piloted an innovative health economics-informed Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis …
What Do Antenatal Women Want From Their Antenatal Education? A National Survey
NHS antenatal classes are a trusted source of ANE, forming a core element of many women's antenatal journey. However, inconsistent provision highlights the need for a standardised, comprehensive curriculum. Flexible delivery models and tailored content are crucial to address diverse needs, particularly for multiparous women and underrepresented groups. Enhanced accessibility could reduce inequalities in ANE provision and improve maternal outcomes
Nature based social prescribing for enhancing mental health and well-being
Background: Nature Based Social Prescribing (NBSP) is a means of connecting people with non-clinical, nature-based community-led interventions delivered by 3rd sector organisations using local community assets. NBSP can support well-being and help alleviate pressure on mental health services addressing local health and wellbeing needs. This research used a mixed-method Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation of a six-month pilot ‘Making Wel…
Cross Sectional Survey of Antenatal Educators’ Views About Current Antenatal Education Provision
Antenatal educators believe current NHS ANE does not adequately prepare women for labour and birth, leading to disparities in birth preparedness for those who cannot access non-NHS classes. To reduce this healthcare inequality, NHS classes need to be standardised, with training for midwives in delivering ANE enhanced
Prevention of Poor Physical and Mental Health through the Green Social Prescribing Opening Doors to the Outdoors Programme
There is growing interest in green social prescribing and connecting with nature-based activities to promote social cohesion along with improving levels of health, wealth and well-being. The Outdoor Partnership is a third sector organisation based in North Wales offering nature based social prescribing interventions. Individuals experiencing poor mental health and wellbeing are referred from GPs, community mental health services, and third sector…
Prospects and Aspirations for Workforce Training and Education in Social Prescribing
The semi-structured interviews conducted with the key SP stakeholders yielded rich information and novel insight into LW training. External funding for the salary of the LW is an obstacle for LW development through training. In addition, the questionnaire results regarding stated preference techniques demonstrate that LWs place value on their professional development and would be willing to spend their own money on training to improve their knowl…
Social Return on Investment of Social Prescribing via a Diabetes Technician for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Progression
In Wales, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has increased from 7.3% in 2016 to 8% in 2020, creating a major concern for the National Health Service (NHS). Social prescribing (SP) has been found to decrease T2DM prevalence and improve wellbeing. The MY LIFE programme, a scheme evaluated between June 2021 and February 2022 in the Conwy West Primary Care Cluster, aimed to prevent T2DM by referring prediabetic patients with a BMI of ≥…
Social prescribing for frequent attenders in primary care
Background: Social prescribing (SP) is a mechanism to link patients with community groups and third sector organizations. It offers a complimentary approach to the traditional medical models to address psychosocial needs of patients more effectively and in turn aims to reduce demand on the NHS. The aim of this study was to explore the economic benefits related to changes in the use of healthcare resources following a social prescribing interventi…
A Social Return on Investment Evaluation of the Pilot Social Prescribing EmotionMind Dynamic Coaching Programme to Improve Mental Wellbeing and Self-Confidence
The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to longer waiting lists for people seeking to access mental health services. The NHS Five Year Forward View encourages the development of empowerment-based social prescribing interventions to supplement existing mental health programmes. Based in South Wales, EmotionMind Dynamic (EMD) is a lifestyle coaching programme that supports individuals suffering from anxiety or depression. In this evaluation of lifestyle …
Social Return on Investment Analysis of the Health Precinct Community Hub for Chronic Conditions
Local governments and Health Boards are seeking to develop integrated services to promote well-being. Social participation and physical activity are key in promoting well-being for older people. The Health Precinct is a community hub in North Wales that people with chronic conditions are referred to through social prescribing. To improve community-based assets there is a need to understand and evidence the social value they generate. Data collect…
Resilience and art in chronic pain
Background: Previous work has identified the importance of art in health and healing but little has been published on specific responses from artistic populations. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of a group of people living with chronic pain who were able to continue to create art in the face of pain. Our hypothesis was that each of these participants had made a positive adaptation to the experience of pain and that we c…
Choice preference and physical activity behaviour
Background Physical inactivity in addition to other influential factors has fuelled the rising level of obesity requiring greater intelligence on motivational cues for engagement in physical activity. The purpose of this study is to assess the value that respondents place on physical activity rather than consume a hypothetical medical tablet by employing Contingent Valuation (CV) and Contingent Behaviour (CB) methods. Results from this study prov…
Intermediate Sanctions
Most American jurisdictions have recently established new intermediate sanctions programs. Few such programs have diverted large numbers of offenders from prison, saved public monies or prison beds, or reduced recidivism rates. These findings recur in evaluations of community service, intensive supervision, house arrest, day reporting centers, and boot camps. The principal problems have been high rates of revocation and subsequent incarceration (…
Intermediate Sanctions
Most American jurisdictions have recently established new intermediate sanctions programs. Few such programs have diverted large numbers of offenders from prison, saved public monies or prison beds, or reduced recidivism rates. These findings recur in evaluations of community service, intensive supervision, house arrest, day reporting centers, and boot camps. The principal problems have been high rates of revocation and subsequent incarceration (…
Resilience and art in chronic pain
Background: Previous work has identified the importance of art in health and healing but little has been published on specific responses from artistic populations. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of a group of people living with chronic pain who were able to continue to create art in the face of pain. Our hypothesis was that each of these participants had made a positive adaptation to the experience of pain and that we c…
Intermediate Sanctions
Most American jurisdictions have recently established new intermediate sanctions programs. Few such programs have diverted large numbers of offenders from prison, saved public monies or prison beds, or reduced recidivism rates. These findings recur in evaluations of community service, intensive supervision, house arrest, day reporting centers, and boot camps. The principal problems have been high rates of revocation and subsequent incarceration (…
Choice preference and physical activity behaviour
Background Physical inactivity in addition to other influential factors has fuelled the rising level of obesity requiring greater intelligence on motivational cues for engagement in physical activity. The purpose of this study is to assess the value that respondents place on physical activity rather than consume a hypothetical medical tablet by employing Contingent Valuation (CV) and Contingent Behaviour (CB) methods. Results from this study prov…
Resilience and art in chronic pain
Background: Previous work has identified the importance of art in health and healing but little has been published on specific responses from artistic populations. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of a group of people living with chronic pain who were able to continue to create art in the face of pain. Our hypothesis was that each of these participants had made a positive adaptation to the experience of pain and that we c…
Social Return on Investment Analysis of the Health Precinct Community Hub for Chronic Conditions
Local governments and Health Boards are seeking to develop integrated services to promote well-being. Social participation and physical activity are key in promoting well-being for older people. The Health Precinct is a community hub in North Wales that people with chronic conditions are referred to through social prescribing. To improve community-based assets there is a need to understand and evidence the social value they generate. Data collect…
Social prescribing for frequent attenders in primary care
Background: Social prescribing (SP) is a mechanism to link patients with community groups and third sector organizations. It offers a complimentary approach to the traditional medical models to address psychosocial needs of patients more effectively and in turn aims to reduce demand on the NHS. The aim of this study was to explore the economic benefits related to changes in the use of healthcare resources following a social prescribing interventi…
A Social Return on Investment Evaluation of the Pilot Social Prescribing EmotionMind Dynamic Coaching Programme to Improve Mental Wellbeing and Self-Confidence
The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to longer waiting lists for people seeking to access mental health services. The NHS Five Year Forward View encourages the development of empowerment-based social prescribing interventions to supplement existing mental health programmes. Based in South Wales, EmotionMind Dynamic (EMD) is a lifestyle coaching programme that supports individuals suffering from anxiety or depression. In this evaluation of lifestyle …
Prevention of Poor Physical and Mental Health through the Green Social Prescribing Opening Doors to the Outdoors Programme
There is growing interest in green social prescribing and connecting with nature-based activities to promote social cohesion along with improving levels of health, wealth and well-being. The Outdoor Partnership is a third sector organisation based in North Wales offering nature based social prescribing interventions. Individuals experiencing poor mental health and wellbeing are referred from GPs, community mental health services, and third sector…
Prospects and Aspirations for Workforce Training and Education in Social Prescribing
The semi-structured interviews conducted with the key SP stakeholders yielded rich information and novel insight into LW training. External funding for the salary of the LW is an obstacle for LW development through training. In addition, the questionnaire results regarding stated preference techniques demonstrate that LWs place value on their professional development and would be willing to spend their own money on training to improve their knowl…
Social Return on Investment of Social Prescribing via a Diabetes Technician for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Progression
In Wales, the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has increased from 7.3% in 2016 to 8% in 2020, creating a major concern for the National Health Service (NHS). Social prescribing (SP) has been found to decrease T2DM prevalence and improve wellbeing. The MY LIFE programme, a scheme evaluated between June 2021 and February 2022 in the Conwy West Primary Care Cluster, aimed to prevent T2DM by referring prediabetic patients with a BMI of ≥…
Cross Sectional Survey of Antenatal Educators’ Views About Current Antenatal Education Provision
Antenatal educators believe current NHS ANE does not adequately prepare women for labour and birth, leading to disparities in birth preparedness for those who cannot access non-NHS classes. To reduce this healthcare inequality, NHS classes need to be standardised, with training for midwives in delivering ANE enhanced
Social prescribing for socially isolated older adults in rural Japan
Introduction: Social prescribing (SP) has not yet been officially introduced in Japan. This qualitative case study aimed to identify the challenges and facilitating factors in the implementation of SP among the socially isolated older population in Akita Prefecture, Japan, based on the perspectives of general practitioners (GP), link workers (LW), and patients. Method: = 4). Results: Participants (GP and LW) emphasized that SP needed to be tailor…
The economics of home support services in Ireland
Background: Home support is a critical yet under-recognized component of public health and aging policy, with economic perspectives often overlooked in workforce and system planning. This paper explores the economics of home support services in Ireland, against a backdrop of increasing demand for home care driven by aging populations and workforce supply challenges. Aims: To provide a comprehensive overview of the economic challenges faced by the…
A scoping review of the economic evidence to support the development of career pathways for home care support workers
Introduction: The ever-growing demands on care systems have increased reliance on Home Care Support Worker’s (HCSW’s) which has seen a shift to provision of care away to community based and close to home care provision. Currently there is no clear outline of a career pathway nor career development for HCSW’s, and this lack of associated framework which recognises CPD for career progression is impacting on recruiting and retaining HCSW’s within th…
Enhancing student wellbeing through nature-based social prescribing
Social Prescribing links individuals to community assets to enhance wellbeing. • Nature-based Social Prescribing is signposting individuals to activities in nature. • NBSP generates between GBP £1.45 and £2.38 of social value per pound invested. • NBSP offers support to student mental health and wellbeing in higher education. Social prescribing (SP) is a non-clinical approach connecting citizens to community support to better manage their health …
Health Economics-Informed Social Return on Investment (SROI) Analysis of a Nature-Based Social Prescribing Craft and Horticulture Programme for Mental Health and Well-Being
Demand for mental health support has exerted unprecedented pressure on statutory services. Innovative solutions such as Green or Nature-Based Social Prescribing (NBSP) programmes may help address unmet need, improve access to personalised treatment, and support the sustainable delivery of primary services within a prevention model of population health. We piloted an innovative health economics-informed Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis …
What Do Antenatal Women Want From Their Antenatal Education? A National Survey
NHS antenatal classes are a trusted source of ANE, forming a core element of many women's antenatal journey. However, inconsistent provision highlights the need for a standardised, comprehensive curriculum. Flexible delivery models and tailored content are crucial to address diverse needs, particularly for multiparous women and underrepresented groups. Enhanced accessibility could reduce inequalities in ANE provision and improve maternal outcomes
Nature based social prescribing for enhancing mental health and well-being
Background: Nature Based Social Prescribing (NBSP) is a means of connecting people with non-clinical, nature-based community-led interventions delivered by 3rd sector organisations using local community assets. NBSP can support well-being and help alleviate pressure on mental health services addressing local health and wellbeing needs. This research used a mixed-method Social Return on Investment (SROI) evaluation of a six-month pilot ‘Making Wel…
Economic evidence related to the use of community assets in the management of frailty
The health economics of social prescribing
Background Social prescribing is an approach to improving health and wellbeing that links individuals to community-based supports, such as arts programs, physical activity initiatives, financial or housing advice, volunteering opportunities, and social groups. Although evidence supporting its effects on physical, functional, and mental health outcomes is expanding, no systematic review of the international evidence has yet assessed the health eco…
A systematic review investigating emerging trends between Extreme Weather Events (EWEs) and infectious disease outbreaks in South Africa
Introduction: Extreme weather events (EWEs) are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, exacerbating health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Infectious diseases are climate-sensitive, yet microbial dynamics during and after EWEs remain poorly understood. This systematic review examines if there are emerging trends and associations in infectious disease outbreaks and health care following EWEs in South Africa. M…
Exploring the Impact of Human Rights in the Nursing Home Sector in Ireland
Background: Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that all individuals should enjoy with the expectation that all persons are treated with fairness, respect, equality and dignity. In the nursing home sector, adherence to human rights should take account of residents inputting on decisions on their lives and participating as fully as possible in decisions about their care and support. The ever-growing demands on care systems in Ireland ha…
Warning system for Extreme weather events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable delivery, and Resilience (Weather) Project
Background: Extreme Weather Events (EWE’) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa are increasingly common causing disease outbreaks, loss of homes, property and life with pressure on the health system. An Early Warning System (EWS) intervention is needed to alert communities and government, to increase preparedness for floods, improving resilience of health services to predict, detect and respond to emergencies and potential disease outbrea…
Exploration of Social Impact of the 'Art of Life' Project
Background: Creativity can have a real impact, helping people to process and express emotion, and maintain human connection. The ‘Art of Life’ is a project delivered on the island of Ireland and is a cross-border project aimed at normalising conversations around death and dying using creative approaches. This is a collaborative project to maximise reach within communities located in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland to build a lasting …
Medicine (13 works) · Psychology (11 works) · Art Therapy and Mental Health (9 works) · Nursing (8 works) · Psychiatry (8 works) · Health care (7 works) · Mental health (6 works) · Environmental health (5 works) · Health, psychology, and well-being (5 works) · Political science (5 works)