Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive public health issue, with disproportionately higher rates outside of urban and metropolitan areas. Primary healthcare (PHC) services are the first point of contact into the healthcare system and where many victim-survivors present. However, regional, rural and remote PHC clinicians face unique challenges that hinder effective identification and support of IPV. The PRISMA-ScR and Arksey and O’Malley (2005)’s five-stage framework was followed to map existing research. CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest were searched for papers describing strategies used by PHC clinicians in regional, rural and remote areas to identify IPV and provide support to victim-survivors. Data were extracted into summary tables and analysed in a process informed by thematic analysis. From the 932 papers identified, 44 were reviewed in full-text review, and 6 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies (n = 5, 83

Rural, regional and remote communities face significant challenges in accessing health care due to their geography. The Multipurpose Health Services (MPS) program aims to provide integrated health and aged care services to regional, rural and remote communities. In this forum paper, we describe the development and current status of the MPS program, and highlight gaps in our knowledge about the MPS workforce, service delivery and health outcomes. Despite continued investment in the MPS model, a lack of targeted research limits our understanding of its impact. Further empirical studies are needed to develop an evidence base that supports optimal care delivery and sustainable workforce strategies in rural and remote communities.

Background: Multiple factors contribute to older people's risk of loneliness and social isolation, including chronic conditions, functional disability, sensory impairments, and diminishing social networks with loss of social capital. Improving social connections and sustaining satisfying interpersonal relationships contribute to improved well-being for lonely and socially isolated older people. Aim: This study seeks to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a general practice nurse-led social prescribing intervention to improve social connections for community-dwelling older people. Methods: This pre-post intervention study was conducted within an Australian primary health network. Nurses from seven general practices assessed older people's social networks and interests, co-produced personalised plans, referred to activities, and provided follow-up. Loneliness and health-related quality of life were measured pre- and 12 weeks post-intervention using validated scales. A consumer experience survey was undertaken at follow-up. Findings: There was no statistically significant difference in self-rated health or loneliness among the 37 participants. However, 45.9% (n=17) of completing participants reported improvements in self-rated health, and more than one-quarter reported improvements in the quality-of-life dimension, 'pain/discomfort' (29.7%, n=11). Participants indicated increased awareness of community activities and improved social interaction post-intervention. Discussion: Findings informed the redesign of this intervention and led to improvements in implementation, including additional recruitment strategies, greater understanding of accessibility issues, and a review of the evaluation design. Conclusion: The intervention was feasible, acceptable, and provided positive experiences for participants. However, program reach and feasibility were impeded by both natural hazard events and COVID-19, which influenced participant recruitment factors and uptake of recommended activities. (c) 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Nursing Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

The high prevalence of eating difficulties among nursing home residents living with dementia has a significant impact on their health and well-being. While various interventions have been evaluated to reduce eating difficulties and enhance nutritional intake, quantitative evaluation alone may not capture the full impact of the intervention given the trajectory of dementia. Following the implementation of a mealtime intervention, combining Spaced Retrieval with Montessori-based activities, 13 staff members who provided regular direct mealtime support to participating residents living with dementia were interviewed. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis guided the analysis and interpretation of the interviews. Three overarching themes represented the participants' views: (1) Mealtime challenges, reflecting physical, cognitive, and behavioural impairments that hindered independent eating; (2) Individualised mealtime support, highlighting the critical role of person-centred strategies tailored to individual unique needs and abilities; and (3) Enhanced outcomes, describing improvements in eating independence, engagement, social interaction, mood, and self-esteem. Staff insights highlighted the importance of individualised, person-centred mealtime support grounded in a reablement approach. The specific challenges experienced by residents living with dementia should be proactively addressed when planning and implementing interventions. This intervention not only promoted eating independence but also enhanced psychosocial well-being, engagement, and mood. This emphasises the broad potential for such interventions to be integrated into daily clinical practice to improve both the quality of care and residents' well-being and quality of life.

BACKGROUND:This trial aimed to test the effectiveness of a data-driven quality improvement program in primary care on cardiovascular hospitalizations, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), risk factor profiles, and medication prescriptions at 24 months in people with coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with standard care. METHODS:A single-blind, cluster randomized controlled trial recruiting Australian primary care practices (2019-2022) was conducted. Practices using compliant data extraction software and having ≥200 adult patients annually with CHD were the units of randomization, and adults with CHD (who visited their general practitioner in the past 12 months) were the units of analysis. Practices were randomized to intervention (12-month data-driven quality improvement including benchmarking, monthly reporting, and improvement planning) or control (standard care). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who had unplanned cardiovascular disease hospitalizations at 24 months. Secondary outcomes were MACE, medication prescriptions, risk factor targets, and management planning. Data were extracted from electronic records linked to administrative data. RESULTS:A total of 51 primary care practices participated, resulting in a patient cohort of 7864. The mean age of the patient cohort was 71.9 (±11.8) years, 68% were men, and 24% had a prior myocardial infarction. At 24 months, there was no significant difference between the groups for unplanned cardiovascular disease hospitalizations (relative risk, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.75-1.10]; MACE, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.61-1.07]; prescription of antiplatelet, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.79-1.13]), statin, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.97-1.09], angiotensin-converting enzyme or angiotensin receptor blocker, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.93-1.07]; risk factor targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.86-1.13], systolic blood pressure, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.87-1.09], or smoking, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.57-1.59]; or management planning, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.64-1.63]). CONCLUSIONS:A primary care, data-driven quality improvement program did not improve unplanned hospitalizations, MACE, medication prescriptions, achievement of risk factor targets, or management planning for people with CHD. Robust evidence for the use of a data-driven, collaborative approach to improving care for people with CHD in primary care remains elusive. REGISTRATION:URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au; Unique identifier: ACTRN12619001790134.

BACKGROUND:Mobile Health (mHealth) applications are innovative tools that have contributed to healthcare digital transformation. While healthcare professionals positively perceive the role of mHealth in improving patients' health outcomes, embedding mHealth app recommendations into routine clinical practice is still in its infancy. There is a limited understanding of the factors nurses consider when recommending mHealth apps. AIM:This paper explores the factors affecting the recommendation of mHealth apps by nurses caring for people living with or at risk of chronic conditions. DESIGN:Qualitative descriptive study within a concurrent mixed methods project. METHODS:Semi-structured videoconference interviews were conducted with 13 nurses. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist guided reporting. RESULTS:Two main themes were identified: (1) clinical considerations and (2) technical considerations. Clinical considerations revealed how credibility and trustworthiness, accessibility, and personalisation impacted recommendations around mHealth apps. Conversely, technical considerations identified factors related to the design, functionalities, and implementation of mHealth apps, namely, data security and privacy, usability, app overload and interoperability. CONCLUSION:Understanding the factors that influence nurses' recommendations of mHealth apps is essential to inform future integration into chronic disease management. Considerations include ensuring patients have reliable access, customising apps to meet users' preferences and needs, and linking them with electronic medical records. mHealth apps should have a user-friendly interface and provide up-to-date, evidence-based content. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE:Factors nurses consider when recommending mHealth apps can affect how they integrate them into clinical practice. Understanding these factors can inform strategies to enhance nurses' integration of mHealth apps in chronic condition management. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION:No patient or public contribution.

BACKGROUND:One in five people with hypertension achieve blood pressure (BP) control (<140/90 mmHg). Patient education improves BP control, yet there is limited guidance to adapt to individuals' evolving needs across the hypertension journey. This study aimed to identify behavioural barriers and enablers to patient education, which were synthesised into patient personas that capture shared behavioural drivers and education needs among groups of patients. METHODS:This study included qualitative interviews with adults (≥18) who self-monitor BP, and primary care providers, and explored experiences of accessing and delivering patient education for BP management. Using framework analysis, patient personas were developed in three steps: 1) thematic analysis of patient interviews to identify and map barriers and enablers to patient education at key time-points in the hypertension journey (diagnosis, treatment initiation, long-term management), 2) clustering behavioural factors via the capability, opportunity, motivation-behaviour model, which were synthesised as patient personas and refined using practitioner interviews and, 3) validation of personas by consumer consultation feedback. RESULTS:Patients (n = 27) and practitioners (n = 12; general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists) identified key barriers to patient education, including patient overwhelm, inconsistent guidance across providers, and perceived patient disengagement. A strong desire to self-manage was a consistent enabler. Six clusters of behavioural barriers and enablers were synthesised as patient personas, capturing distinct patterns and education needs across the hypertension journey. CONCLUSIONS:Patient personas identify opportunities for tailored, stage-specific education, including structured support at diagnosis, coordinated messaging during treatment initiation, and strategies to sustain adherence in long-term management. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:Patient personas provide a practical framework for designing context-specific, person-centred education interventions, including use in clinician training, co-design of resources and integration into primary care workflows and digital tools. Future research should evaluate implementation of persona-informed interventions in routine care and assess their impact on patient engagement and BP control.

Objective This review aimed to identify, examine, and synthesize current literature on global nursing career frameworks and identify key attributes that effectively support nurses’ career progression. Methods A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) best practice guidance for protocol development and reporting. A comprehensive search was conducted across MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Scopus, APA PsycINFO (Ovid), four online databases, grey literature, and professional nursing peak 'bodies' websites. Sources were included if they were reported in English and focused on the nursing profession and career progression, structured career planning, or career pathway frameworks. Data were synthesized using thematic analysis. Results From the 1159 identified, 12 sources were included. Key attributes of nursing career frameworks that support career progression were identified, including self-directed career planning, clear pathways and role definition, strong leadership and collaborative networks, workforce issues, and prioritizing nurse well-being. Conclusion Nursing career frameworks appear to offer strategies that complement workforce recruitment and retention. Such frameworks can provide structured guidance, promote diverse career opportunities, and foster a sustainable nursing workforce.

BACKGROUND:Natural hazards leading to disasters can be difficult to predict, with impact influenced by infrastructure damage, geographic locations, community characteristics and healthcare response capacity. This scoping review explores the involvement of primary healthcare (PHC) nurses during the four phases of a disaster - prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. METHODS:Following the PRISMA-ScR and Arksey and O'Malley's framework, this review mapped existing research. Four databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus, were searched on 6 May 2024. Papers were included if they pertainedi to PHC settings, involved PHC nurses and focused on disasters. Data were extracted from each paper into summary tables, which described the key study characteristics: disaster focus and surge capacity domains. RESULTS:Of the 337 papers identified, 21 were retained for full-text review and four papers met the inclusion criteria. Literature on PHC nurses' roles in disaster management is limited and focuses on the response phase. PHC nurses experience role uncertainty during disasters, although their roles are recognised in wound care, treating minor injuries and addressing life-threatening presentations. CONCLUSION:Research on the roles of PHC nurses in disaster prevention and preparedness, and recovery is scarce. Targeted support, resource distribution and role clarity could improve PHC nurses' effectiveness in disaster settings.

Background: Hospitalisation of older people can result in significant functional decline, increasing care needs and the risk of re-hospitalisation. Self-efficacy to adapt lifestyle and health behaviours can help older people recover and avoid re-hospitalisation. Understanding what influences older people's self-efficacy can help improve healthy ageing after hospitalisation. Aim: This paper aims to explore social, intrinsic, and environmental influences on the self-efficacy of community-dwelling older people, and subsequent impacts on their resilience and healthy ageing. Methods: This paper reports the qualitative phase of a sequential mixed-method study. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, a subgroup of older people participated in semistructured interviews following hospital admission. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Five themes emerged: (1) Remaining connected found supportive social networks positively influenced self-efficacy and attitudes toward ageing; (2) Not giving up even though "I'm getting older" highlights the importance of positive attitudes toward ageing; (3) Learning to live well in older age found health professionals' interventions and technology improved self-efficacy to adapt and manage health conditions; (4) Dealing with consequences of declining physical function showed that losses in meaningful activities reduced resilience; (5) Impact of previous life experiences highlights the impact on mental health and resilience. Conclusions: Acute hospitalisation in older age can precipitate re-evaluation of self-efficacy to maintain a good quality of life. Interventions that promote social connectedness and positive attitudes to ageing through a collaborative approach can potentially mitigate the negative effects of functional decline and promote adaptive behaviours that optimise health and wellbeing among hospitalised older people. (c) 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Nursing Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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.

BackgroundChronic conditions are responsible for a growing burden of morbidity, mortality, and cost globally. Despite widespread recognition of the need for preventive care, general practice remains underresourced and primarily focused on treatment. Digital health interventions (DHIs) present a scalable solution to support person-centered preventive care, but evidence regarding the feasibility and acceptability of multirisk consumer-facing interventions in general practice remains limited. ObjectiveThis study (ePREVENT-360) aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, sustainability, and preliminary impact on health activation of a consumer-facing DHI, THRIVE (Tailored Health Risk Insights for Vital Empowerment) in Australian general practices. MethodsA mixed methods, pre-post feasibility study will be conducted in 5 general practices across New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Adult consumers aged 30 to 65 years will use the THRIVE digital platform to receive chronic condition risk assessments, health scores, and action plans. Quantitative data will include engagement metrics, surveys, and chronic condition risk scores. Qualitative semistructured interviews with consumers and clinicians will provide data about acceptability, engagement, and sustainability. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and multilevel regression methods, while qualitative data will be analyzed thematically. ResultsThe study has secured funding in 2024 through an Australian General Practice Research Foundation and Hospital Contribution Fund of Australia Research Foundation Health Services Research Grant. Consumer recruitment commenced in December 2025. Recruitment of the 5 participating general practices was completed in March 2026. As of April 2026, all clinician preintervention interviews have been completed, and consumer recruitment has commenced, with 25 consents obtained. Data collection is ongoing, with follow-up expected to be completed by December 2026. Outcomes will inform the iterative refinement of interventions and future trial designs to assess effectiveness. ConclusionsThis study will address a key evidence gap in the digital prevention space by evaluating the feasibility, acceptability, and sustainability of a multicondition DHI embedded in general practices. The findings will support the development of a larger adaptive controlled trial and inform future implementation. Trial RegistrationAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry 12624001174572; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12624001174572 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)PRR1-10.2196/83105

AIM:To provide a worked example of the process used in developing data collection tools to measure the profile and practice of Australian general practice nurses (GPNs). DESIGN:Methodological discussion. METHODS:An iterative design process encompassing the steps of sandpit development, alpha, beta and pilot (field) testing, alongside stakeholder consultations, was used to develop the Occasions of Care Explained and Analysed (OCEAN)-GPN tools. At each stage, the 'think-aloud' method was used to collect qualitative data and a user survey measured satisfaction with tool development. RESULTS:The application of user-centred design principles shows how the data collection tools were developed for this major national study. Examples of iterative testing strategies illustrate how participants' experiences can inform data-collection processes. CONCLUSION:The OCEAN-GPN tools have been rigorously developed to capture Australian GPNs' profile and clinical activity. The iterative processes and extensive consultation ensured that the tools were fit for purpose and met user needs. Collection of study data using these tools will enable evaluation to inform policy, research, education and clinical practice.

Background Little is known about how final-year educational experiences shape nursing students’ perceived readiness and long-term career intentions. Aim To investigate educational satisfaction, transition confidence, and career intentions among final-year Bachelor of Nursing students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with final-year nursing students across five campuses of an Australian university. Satisfaction with educational experiences was measured using 5-point Likert scales (1 = extremely dissatisfied to 5 = extremely satisfied). Transition readiness was assessed using a 0–10 sliding scale, with higher scores indicating greater confidence. Career intentions and perceptions of career-preparation resources were also measured. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Findings Of 198 respondents, most reported high satisfaction with clinical placements (mean = 4.28), skill development (mean = 4.17), and theoretical instruction (mean = 4.01). Confidence in transition readiness averaged 6.9/10. While 89% expressed interest in structured graduate programs, only 54% intended to remain in nursing beyond 10 years. Positive correlations were found between satisfaction with clinical placements and transition readiness (r = .45, p < .01) and between skill development and career confidence (r = .39, p < .01). Discussion Although students are satisfied with their education, many express only moderate confidence in their readiness to practise. Career intentions suggest possible early workforce attrition. Conclusion Despite strong satisfaction with undergraduate experiences, students’ limited confidence in transitioning to practice and long-term career intentions highlight the need for curriculum-integrated strategies to support transition and retention.

Background: Postgraduate leadership education is increasingly recognised as essential for preparing nurses to navigate the complexities of contemporary healthcare. However, there remains limited empirical understanding of how nurses integrate leadership learning into everyday clinical practice and the contextual factors that shape its enactment. Aims: This paper examines the practical impact of a postgraduate leadership course on Registered Nurses’ clinical practice. Methods: Clandinin and Connelly’s three-dimensional narrative inquiry space guided this study. Eleven Registered Nurses who had completed a postgraduate leadership course participated in two semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using cross-narrative comparison to identify recurring threads and divergent experiences. Results: The practical impact of postgraduate leadership education was reflected in three interconnected narrative threads. ‘Identification of a skills gap’ described participants’ recognition of previously limiting leadership deficits. ‘Using the resources provided’ showed how leadership tools, frameworks and strategies were applied in practice. ‘Challenges of enacting education into practice’ highlighted contextual constraints that limited some participants’ ability to apply their learning despite strong motivation. Conclusion: Postgraduate leadership education can strengthen nurses’ clinical practice by enhancing leadership capability and readiness. However, organisational hierarchies, role clarity and structural support significantly influence the extent to which leadership learning can be enacted in practice.

Aim To explore the experiences of Emergency Department nurses when caring for patients presenting to the Emergency Department with mental health issues.Design Qualitative descriptive study.Methods Ten nurses with experience caring for mental health patients participated in face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Nurses were recruited if they were employed at a single tertiary Emergency Department in the Northern Territory, Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. The COREQ checklist guided reporting.Results The four key themes were: systemic factors; emotional impact and staff culture; influence of communication; education and training. Systemic factors, such as overcrowding, staff shortages, long stays, and unsuitable Emergency Department environments, restricted therapeutic care and increased patient distress. The emotional impact of caring for mental health patients, combined with reactive workplace culture and stigma, contributed to moral distress and burnout. Clear communication and teamwork supported care, while limited mental health education left nurses underprepared and reliant on informal learning. Participants emphasised the need for clear protocols, targeted training, and structured support to enhance patient outcomes, nurse confidence, and well-being.Conclusion Emergency Department nurses face systemic, cultural, and educational barriers that compromise patient care while contributing to stress, fatigue, and burnout. Addressing these challenges through integrated care pathways, targeted education, and staff support is essential to improve patient outcomes and sustain the nursing workforce.Implications for Practice Data from this study identifies there is an urgent need to implement practical strategies to reduce challenges for nurses in caring for patients presenting to the ED with mental health issues.Impact This study revealed that systemic pressures, emotional fatigue, and limited training hinder effective care. This research can inform hospital leaders, policymakers, and educators to improve support, training, and care pathways within ED settings.Reporting Method The authors have adhered to the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ).Patient or Public Contribution No patient or public contribution was made.

AIM:To synthesise the literature around the roles of general practice nurses (GPNs) and the barriers and facilitators of their role. DESIGN:Integrative literature review using Whittemore and Knafls framework. METHODS:Papers were exported into Covidence for screening. Quality was appraised using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Data were extracted into a summary table and analysed using thematic analysis. DATA SOURCES:CINAHL, Medline, and Google Scholar were used to identify papers published between January 2000 and February 2025 in English that reported primary research about GPN roles. RESULTS:Twelve papers were included in the review. The four overarching themes were role characteristics, the clinical role, the non-clinical role, and barriers and enablers. Findings suggest ambiguity surrounding the GPN role, with inconsistent perspectives and overlapping responsibilities contributing to underutilisation. GPNs played an important role in continuity of care and reported a desire to spend more time on health promotion, health education and assessment. GPNs were leaders in collaboration as they functioned as agents of connectivity for patients and staff. The GPN role faces both barriers and enablers, with the organisational structure, interprofessional relationships, and professional development. CONCLUSION:The GPN role offers an opportunity to enhance access to general practice care. However, there is limited and mixed literature describing the roles of GPNs. Future research should more closely explore the current practice of GPNs to inform policy and optimal utilisation of the workforce to the full extent of their practice scope. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE:Understanding the complex roles of GPNs requires more robust data on clinical activity. These data would have the potential to inform ways to optimise the GPN role within the multidisciplinary team. REPORTING METHOD:This study adhered to the PRISMA reporting guideline. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION:This review did not include patient or public involvement.

AIM:This paper explores the experience of general practice nurses implementing a nurse-led social prescribing intervention to improve older people's social connectedness. DESIGN:Qualitative descriptive study within a multi-phase mixed methods project. METHODS:Eight Australian general practice nurses working in a health connector role participated in semi-structured interviews at implementation-end (n = 8) and 12 months later (n = 5), and two focus groups, held during implementation. Interviews addressed participants' reasons for engaging in the intervention, perceptions of training, the experience of intervention delivery and sustainability. Focus groups explored participants' views of challenges and achievements. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. RESULTS:Participants reported 'alignment between their current nursing role and the additional health connector role' regarding their scope of practice and philosophy of care. 'Preparedness to be a health connector' explained how participants' primary care nursing skills equipped them to intervene, however, additional training and resources were essential. Older people were positively impacted by the intervention, and this motivated participants to sustain elements of the intervention. With support, participants leveraged existing skills and worked to their full scope of practice. This resulted in practice improvements in caring for older people at risk of loneliness and social isolation, and professional gains for nurses. CONCLUSION:Despite challenges in sustaining the intervention as designed, participants integrated the health connector intervention into their practice within the context of their nursing role and continued this work with older people and other patient groups. IMPLICATIONS:Facilitating general practice nurses to undertake a social prescribing intervention had benefits for nurses and patients. IMPACT:Nurse-led social prescribing interventions can support older people to reactivate or maintain their social connections within the context of their health. REPORTING METHOD:Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) Checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION:No patient or public contribution.