Patient perspectives on loneliness interventions in primary care: A qualitative study

There is a loneliness epidemic in the United States. Embedding interventions within primary care may facilitate access to effective treatments for loneliness. This study characterized experiences of loneliness, strategies used to counteract loneliness, and perspectives on loneliness interventions among primary care patients. Semistructured interviews were completed by 17 adults (M(age) = 41.9 years, SD = 18.9) who indicated social isolation on routine screens administered within primary care. Interviews were transcribed, and rapid qualitative analysis was performed. Summaries were created, and patterns within the data were grouped into themes. Participants spoke of intrapersonal, relational, and situational/contextual causes of loneliness. All participants reported being aware of strategies to reduce loneliness, with the majority having success using one or more strategies. Opinions were mixed regarding loneliness interventions within primary care, with half of the participants expressing positive impressions toward addressing loneliness in this setting and others voicing skepticism regarding whether primary care was the best setting to address loneliness, even among participants with positive overall impressions. Only two participants reported having spoken with their primary care provider about loneliness. Despite the mixed perspectives, participants indicated that strategies to improve coping and psychological states (e.g., amotivation) and enhance their social engagement would improve their loneliness. In conclusion, perspectives on loneliness interventions within primary care were mixed, suggesting that patient psychoeducation and alliance-building may be needed prior to delivering loneliness interventions in this setting. Given the varied identified causes and needs, multifaceted interventions may be needed to ameliorate the personal and public health burden of loneliness.