Better screening needed for social isolation, loneliness in people living with chronic disease

A new study reveals social isolation and loneliness can adversely affect mental and physical health, with researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) calling on Australians to look out for those who might be at risk.

Lead researcher Scott William from UOW’s Center for Chronic and Complex Care Research said it’s never been more important to screen for social isolation and loneliness as Australia’s population ages.

“Australia is experiencing a shift to an older demographic. People are living longer with chronic diseases, such as heart failure. Social isolation impacts one in four adults and is recognized as a modern-day health crisis, with a risk factor comparable to smoking, obesity and physical inactivity,” William said.

“Social isolation and loneliness should be regularly evaluated for all patients, but especially those who are at high risk of developing heart failure. However, it’s unclear how social isolation and loneliness are assessed by clinicians so our research aimed to explore this concept.”

The study, “A systematic review to identify assessment instruments for social isolation or loneliness in adults with heart failure,” was published March 7 in npj Cardiovascular Health.

The researchers, a cross-specialty team including cardiovascular and mental health nurses, conducted a systematic review to identify the current commonly used research and clinical instruments to assess for social isolation or loneliness in patients who live with heart failure. They used data from 30 studies across 15 countries involving nearly half a million patients.

“We hope this study leads to an improved understanding of the importance of screening, improved risk assessment of patients, and to better interventions and outcomes,” William said.

While the focus of the study was on how health professionals screen, assess and intervene for people at risk, William said we all have a responsibility to help others who may be socially isolated or lonely.

“We can’t just rely on health professionals to do the heavy lifting, it needs to be a shared community responsibility,” William said.

“We all need to look out for people who might be socially isolated or lonely and support them. Call in on a neighbor, pick up the phone, or use social media to catch up with people you care about.”

William also said we need to develop community-based interventions that address the loneliness and social isolation pandemic.