Factors influencing the implementation of a general practice nurse-led intervention to improve social connectedness among older people in Australia: a qualitative descriptive study

Background: Social connection is fundamental to healthy ageing reducing the serious health impacts of loneliness and social isolation. General practice nurses (GPNs) have skills in assessing and responding to older people’s complex needs, applicable to nurse-led interventions strengthening older people’s social connections. Aim: To explore factors influencing the implementation of a GPN-led social prescribing intervention to improve social connectedness among older people. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted through semi-structured interviews (n = 13) and two focus groups with eight Australian GPNs exploring intervention implementation. The intervention comprised assessment, goal setting, co-production of personalised plans, referral, and follow-up. Data were inductively analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Themes revealed individual, organisational, and system-level factors that influenced implementation. Barriers included the attitudes and priorities of older people, the disruptive environmental context arising from natural disasters, and system factors including primary care funding and community infrastructure. Family support, positive general practice workplace cultures, and intervention adaptability were enabling factors. Conclusions: GPNs were able to integrate the intervention into their usual workflow and appropriately respond to lonely and socially isolated older people. However, GPN-led interventions are currently limited by funding models. Building nursing workforce capacity can support integrated health and social care for older people.