Table 2 Summary of identified facilitators and barriers to the implementation and delivery of SP services

 • A phased roll out implementation approach

 • Realistic planning of ‘lead in’ time to set up a SP service

 • Workshops to design and discuss SP services prior to implementation

 • Standardised trainings, briefings, and networking events for involved partners

 • Flexibility during the development, implementation, and delivery of a SP service

 • Shared understanding, attitudes, and perspectives of stakeholders

 • Good relationships and effective communication between stakeholders within and across sectors

 • SP champions in CCGs and general practices

 • Navigator ready general practices

 • A general practice culture that supports the biopsychosocial model of health

 • General practice staff engagement

 • A wide range of good quality third sector based service providers

• A ‘go live dates’ approach to implementation

• Lack of partnership and service level agreements

• A collaborative approach to project management, which results in the lack of a targeted approach to strategic and robust project management

• Absence of a robust risk management systems

• Volunteers as navigators

• Staff turnover

• Limited financial resources to fund service providers or secure a high salary for employed staff

• Lack of shared understanding among stakeholders and partners

• General practice staff disengagement

• Patient disengagement

• A reduction in available and suitable service providers in the third sector