Advancing the social return on investment framework to capture the social value of public health interventions: semistructured interviews and a review of scoping reviews

K. Ashton*, A. Cotter-Roberts, T. Clemens, L. Green, M. Dyakova

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

Objectives: Investment in public health has far-reaching impacts, not only on physical health but also on communities, economies and the environment. There is increasing demand to account for the wider impact of public health and the social value that can be created, which can be captured through the use of the social return on investment (SROI) framework. This study aims to explore the application of SROI and identify areas of advancement for its use in public health. Study design and methods: Publically available SROI studies of public health interventions previously identified through published systematic scoping reviews were examined through a methodological lens. This was complemented by semistructured interviews with key public health academic experts with experience in the field of SROI. The results were thematically analysed and triangulated. Results: In total, 53 studies and nine interviews were included in the analysis. All interviewees agreed that SROI is a suitable framework to demonstrate the social value of public health interventions. Developmental aspects were also identified through the analysis. This included a more systematic use of SROI principles and methodological developments. Lastly, it was identified that further advancements were needed to promote awareness of SROI and how it can be used to generate investment. Conclusion: By identifying key areas for advancement, the results from this study can be used to further refine the SROI framework for use within the speciality to promote investment in services and interventions that demonstrate maximum value to people, communities, economies and the environment.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)122-127
Number of pages6
JournalPublic Health
Volume226
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Public health institutes
  • Social value
  • SROI
  • Wider determinants of health

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