Entering a liminal state when becoming a social prescribing link worker and how it affects retention: findings from a UK qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

To explore factors shaping social prescribing (SP) link workers (LWs) experiences of their job, and how they influence decisions about whether or not to leave it.

Background

LWs support healthcare delivery by listening to patients' non-medical concerns and social or relational difficulties, connecting them to 'community assets' (groups, organizations, charities) when relevant to help. LWs try to assist people with often complex emotional and/or social issues. This can affect how they feel in their job.

Methods

As part of a mixed methods project on LW retention, a qualitative study was conducted. It involved 20 LWs, purposively selected from respondents to a questionnaire; variation in the sample was sought in terms of self-efficacy in the role, length of time in i

SUBMITTER: Tierney S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12646184 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature