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

Abstract

Social prescribing link workers (SPLWs) have been based in general practices in Scotland since 2016 but the views of general practitioners (GPs) on their work have not been quantified. 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. Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of all qualified GPs' working lives in Scotland conducted in 2023/24. 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. 836/1380 (60.6%) of GPs reported having a SPLW in their practice, and of these, 567 (67.9%) were satisfied with their work, and 587 (70.4%) thought they could reduce health inequalities. In multilevel multi-regression analysis, three significant independent positive predictors of GP satisfaction with the work of SPLWs were identified; female GP gender (<i>P</i>=0.017), high practice deprivation (<i>P</i>=0.001), and a perceived reduction in GP workload (<i>P</i><0.001). GPs belief that SPLWs can reduce health inequalities was predicted by high practice deprivation, and a perceived reduction in GP workload (both <i>P</i><0.001). GPs in Scotland who have a SPLW in their practice are largely satisfied with link workers and believe they can reduce health inequalities, especially those working in deprived areas and who perceive reductions in their own workload due to the work of the SPLW.