Link Workers Views on Training and Training Needs when Working with Lonely Patients: A Qualitative Study

Background: Loneliness is a growing public health concern and can lead to both physical and mental health problems if not tackled. Interventions such as social prescribing (a non-medical approach which engages with the psychosocial needs of individuals by connecting them to sources of support in the community) have been found to positively impact loneliness in both adult and youth populations. Yet, training for social prescribers is not standardised and is inconsistent. The current research aimed to explore UK-based Link Workers’ perceptions of their training and training needs, with a specific focus on their work with lonely patients. Methods: 14 Link Workers took part in one-on-one semi structured interviews and data were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified. These included (i) current training’s focus on the ‘basics’; (ii) the need to draw on therapeutic techniques to support all, including lonely patients; (iii) loneliness training content needed to bridge knowledge gaps, and (iv) important enablers for skills development. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggests a need for loneliness training, as well as what content is needed in said training to help LWs support this population, and enablers for ensuring that the training is useful for Link Workers. Additionally, training and skill development around therapeutic techniques was highlighted as important in order to adequately equip Link Workers to effectively support lonely patients.