Link worker retention study: Gallery of images from interviewees
We have conducted a mixed methods study on retention of link workers in their job. As part of this research, qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 link workers. In advance of being interviewed, we asked each of these link workers to take three photographs/provide us with three pictures that reflected/illustrated:
We started interviewees by asking link workers to talk about their photographs/pictures. This enabled them to set the direction for the interview before we continued by asking specific questions related to the topic.
This online gallery exhibits the images we received from interviewees. Some are the original photographs from interviewees – represented with an (O) in the gallery. Some photographs we had to make into an image because of a risk of identifying the interviewee – represented by an (I) in the gallery. Some interviewees did not provide an image but either talked about what they would have given us if they had time or sent this information in an email before or after the interview – represented by a (R) in the gallery.
We anticipate that this set of images can be used by individuals, to get a sense of the link worker role as described by interviewees, or to consider how far it reflects their own experience if part of this workforce. Furthermore, these images could be used within a social prescribing team, as a starting point for discussing how the link worker role is experienced in a specific setting.
Any comments or reflections or questions on these images, or the broader study, please contact Stephanie Tierney (stephanie.tierney@phc.ox.ac.uk). Please note that this study was funded by a grant from NIHR School for Primary Care Research (Award 678). The views expressed in this gallery are not necessarily those of this funder or the University of Oxford.
Please note that not every interviewee provided photos/images for each of the three topics.
A Normal part of their working day
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| This interviewee (Mary) talked about how days were not typical as a link worker and how they took on several different roles as required. This included making up Christmas bags for families struggling financially. (O) | This interviewee (John) reflected on how a big part of their work involved supporting people to receive financial support. (O) | This person (Victoria) highlighted how a large part of their role was desk-based. (O) |
Something giving them confidence in their job
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| These flowers were from a patient the link worker (Anna) had supported, on and off, for three years, whose life situation had significantly improved during this time. (O) | This picture represents a feedback form completed by patients at the point of ending sessions with a link worker. It helps the interviewee (Amanda) to feel she has provided appropriate support. (I) | Receiving training in mental health support for young people made this link worker (Veronica) feel better equipped to support these individuals. (O) |
An unexpected part of their role
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| This photo highlights how the interviewee (Jane) was surprised at people’s need for hygiene products, something she had not considered before moving into the role. (O) | This interviewee (Rose) described how hoarding was a common issue she came across but something she felt helpless in being able to address; unless someone could afford to pay a company to empty the house and was ready to change, she felt it was not possible to really help. (O) | This photo reflects social prescribing walks that a colleague of this link worker (Prisha) organised after finding a lack of sociable walks for people with mental health conditions. It gives those attending the opportunity to talk to others and to see beautiful aspects of nature (like a peacock). (O) |