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Practical Tips for Addressing Patient Loneliness in Primary Care

SEBASTIAN TONG, MD, MPH
REBECCA MULLEN, MD, MPH
SARINA SCHRAGER, MD, MS

FPM. 2026;33(3):7-11.

Author disclosures: Dr. Schrager’s time was supported by a gift by the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation. No other financial relationships reported.

This content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME.

A three-item screening tool and the “EAR” framework can help you quickly identify and address patient loneliness.

Dr. Tong is an associate professor at the University of Washington Department of Family Medicine and associate director of the WWAMI region Practice-Based Research Network.

Dr. Mullen is an assistant professor in the University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Family Medicine.

Dr. Schrager is a professor in the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, vice chair for faculty development and promotions, medical director of Wisconsin Research and Education Network, and editor-in-chief of Family Medicine.

Send comments to fpmedit@aafp.org, or add your comments to the article online.

Author disclosures: Dr. Schrager’s time was supported by a gift by the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation. No other financial relationships reported.

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