RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Interventions in ambulatory healthcare settings to reduce social isolation among adults aged 18–64: a systematic review
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2023.0119
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0119
A1 Anchuri, Kavya
A1 Steiner, Liane
A1 Rabet, Roxana
A1 Craig-Neil, Amy
A1 San Antonio, Ellah
A1 Ogundele, Oluwasegun Jko
A1 Seabrook, Melanie
A1 Pope, Ceinwen
A1 Dai, Serina
A1 Schuler, Andree
A1 Ziegler, Carolyn
A1 Pinto, Andrew David
YR 2024
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2024/11/11/BJGPO.2023.0119.abstract
AB Background Social isolation is associated with increased all-cause and premature mortality, poor chronic disease management, and mental health concerns. Limited research exists on interventions addressing social isolation among individuals under 65 despite its increasing prevalence among young and middle-aged adults.Aim To identify interventions from the extant literature that address social isolation and loneliness in ambulatory healthcare settings in adults aged 18–64 and to identify elements of successful studies for future intervention design.Design & setting Systematic review of interventions targeting social isolation in community-dwelling adults aged 18–64 within ambulatory healthcare settings.Method A search strategy was developed to identify relevant articles in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, EBM Reviews, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsychInfo. Data were extracted on study design and setting, intervention type, outcome related to social isolation/loneliness, and scale of measure used.Results 25 078 citations were identified and underwent title and abstract screening. 75 articles met our inclusion criteria and were synthesised, including an assessment of bias. Effective interventions were delivered in community health settings, incorporated a group component, and used digital technologies. They also addressed the association between mental health and social isolation using cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches and enhanced self-management and coping strategies for chronic conditions through psycho-educational interventions.Conclusion Future research should prioritise adults living in low-income and middle-income countries, racialised individuals, as well as those with fewer educational opportunities. There is also a need to advance research in primary care settings, where longitudinal patient–provider relationships would facilitate the success of interventions.