Get started
Work

GPs’ satisfaction with link workers and belief that they can reduce health inequalities: a cross-sectional national GP survey in Scotland

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background Social prescribing link workers (SPLWs) have been based in general practices in Scotland since 2016 but the views of GPs on their work have not been quantified. Aim To quantify GPs’ satisfaction with the work of SPLWs and belief that they can reduce health inequalities, and to explore GP and practice factors that influence these views. Design & setting Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of all qualified GPs’ working lives in Scotland conducted in 2023–2024. Method Descriptive analysis of how satisfied GPs are with SPLWs, and whether they believe they can reduce health inequalities, and univariate and multivariate analysis of factors that influence these views. Results In total, n = 836/1380 (60.6%) of GPs reported having a SPLW in their practice, and of these, 567 (67.8%) were satisfied with their work, and 587 (70.2%) thought they could reduce health inequalities. In multilevel multiregression analysis, three significant independent positive predictors of GP satisfaction with the work of SPLWs were identified: female GP sex ( P = 0.017), high practice deprivation ( P = 0.001), and a perceived reduction in GP workload ( P <0.001). GPs’ belief that SPLWs can reduce health inequalities was predicted by high practice deprivation, and a perceived reduction in GP workload (both P <0.001). Conclusion GPs in Scotland who have an SPLW in their practice are largely satisfied with link workers. GPs believe SPLWs can reduce health inequalities, especially those working in deprived areas and who perceive reductions in their own workload owing to the work of the SPLW.
Source: BJGP Open
DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2025.0130
Language: English
Subfield: Conservation
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,226
OpenAlex ID: W4416795044
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: