Impact of a peer-support programme to improve loneliness and social isolation due to COVID-19: does adding a secure, user friendly video-conference solution work better than telephone support alone? Protocol for a three-arm randomised clinical trial.
BMJ Open
; 14(1): e056839, 2024 01 09.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38199634
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the implementation of physical distancing and self-isolation strategies worldwide. However, these measures have significant potential to increase social isolation and loneliness. Among older people, loneliness has increased from 40% to 70% during COVID-19. Previous research indicates loneliness is strongly associated with increased mortality. Thus, strategies to mitigate the unintended consequences of social isolation and loneliness are urgently needed. Following the Obesity-Related Behavioural Intervention Trials model for complex behavioural interventions, we describe a protocol for a three-arm randomised clinical trial to reduce social isolation and loneliness. METHODS ANDANALYSIS:
A multicentre, outcome assessor blinded, three-arm randomised controlled trial comparing 12 weeks of (1) the HOspitals WoRking in Unity ('HOW R U?') weekly volunteer-peer support telephone intervention; (2) 'HOW R U?' deliver using a video-conferencing solution and (3) a standard care group. The study will follow Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials guidelines.We will recruit 24-26 volunteers who will receive a previously tested half day lay-training session that emphasises a strength-based approach and safety procedures. We will recruit 141 participants ≥70 years of age discharged from two participating emergency departments or referred from hospital family medicine, geriatric or geriatric psychiatry clinics. Eligible participants will have probable baseline loneliness (score ≥2 on the de Jong six-item loneliness scale). We will measure change in loneliness, social isolation (Lubben social network scale), mood (Geriatric Depression Score) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) at 12-14 weeks postintervention initiation and again at 24-26 weeks. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval has been granted by the participating research ethics boards. Participants randomised to standard care will be offered their choice of telephone or video-conferencing interventions after 12 weeks. Results will be disseminated through journal publications, conference presentations, social media and through the International Federation of Emergency Medicine. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05228782.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Contexto em Saúde:
4_TD
/
6_ODS3_enfermedades_notrasmisibles
Problema de saúde:
4_covid_19
/
4_pneumonia
/
6_other_respiratory_diseases
Assunto principal:
COVID-19
/
Solidão
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
/
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
Aspecto:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
/
Ethics
/
Patient_preference
Limite:
Aged
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMJ Open
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Canadá