Social isolation screening among hospitalized older adults
Catherine Biviano
New York Prebyterian Lawrence Hospital, USA
: Androl Gynecol: Curr Res
Abstract
Background: The mental and physical impact of social isolation on older adults is a negative one that includes increased mortality and depression. Previous research suggests that this association is reflected in mortality, mental health and overall well-being of this target population, which includes those over the age of 65 years.
Methods: Patients who were 65 and older, admitted to the hospital, were screened using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) Screening tool.
Outcomes: Forty patients (70% female, 30% male) were interviewed at their bedside in a small, suburban, community hospital between the ages of 65-100. Using Cronbach’s Alpha, the LSNS-6 tool was deemed reliable and acceptable (.75) on all six items. Twenty-eight percent of the patients scored for social isolation, which is within the range (25- 48%).
Implications to Practice: The implication to practice is that a high number (approximately 25%) of patients screened positive to the screening which indicates that risk for social isolation is a significant issue requiring additional intervention.
Conclusions: This quality improvement project raises awareness on the issue of social isolation and older adults. This screening process in the hospital setting should become a national standard with associated mechanism to address social isolation that will contribute to improving the quality of life for older adults.
Biography
Catherine Biviano has received her Doctorate of Nursing Practice as a Public Health Nurse Leader from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2018. She is the Program Director of Nursing Professional Development at New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, NY, USA. Her area of interest includes Improving Care of Healthsystem Elders and Preventing Social Isolation in Older Adults.