Editorial: Virtual Groups to Address the Health of Homebound Adults During COVID-19: A Biopsychosocial Framework

Older Adults and Social Isolation and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Review of Patterns, Effects, and Interventions

A scoping review was conducted to identify patterns, effects, and interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among community-dwelling older adult populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also integrated (1) data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and (2) a scan of Canadian grey literature on pandemic interventions. CLSA data showed estimated relative increases in loneliness ranging between 33 and 67 per cent depending on age/gender group. International studies also reported increases in levels of loneliness, as well as strong associations between loneliness and depression during the pandemic. Literature has primarily emphasized the use of technology-based interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness. Application of socio-ecological and resilience frameworks suggests that researchers should focus on exploring the wider array of potential pandemic age-friendly interventions (e.g., outdoor activities, intergenerational programs, and other outreach approaches) and strength-based approaches (e.g., building community and system-level capacity) that may be useful for reducing social isolation and loneliness.

Effectiveness of telehealth versus standard care on health care utilization, health-related quality of life, and well-being in homebound populations: a systematic review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the review is to determine the effectiveness of telehealth versus in-person care on health care utilization, health-related quality of life, and well-being in homebound populations.

INTRODUCTION

Globally, an increasing number of people are becoming homebound. These individuals experience high levels of social isolation and deterioration of their well-being. Reports from homebound people and recent publications suggest that this cohort may benefit from accessing telehealth solutions from their homes to treat and prevent serious issues affecting their health and well-being. This review will synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of telehealth compared to standard care (in-person care) on health care utilization, health-related quality of life, and well-being in homebound populations.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies including people living in community settings, whose daily life is physically limited to the boundary of their homes because of their ongoing health, energy, and psychosocial or socio-functional impairments will be considered for inclusion.

METHODS

This review will consider relevant, peer-reviewed primary experimental and quasi-experimental studies, with no limit on language or date. Databases to be searched include MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, LILACS, JBI Evidence Synthesis (hand-searched for further studies), and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers will be involved in study selection and data extraction. Eligible studies will be critically appraised for methodological quality using the relevant JBI critical appraisal checklists, and statistical meta-analysis will be done (where possible). Findings will be presented in narrative form.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42021289578.