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Lee JS, Rose L, Borgundvaag B, McLeod SL, Melady D, Mohindra R, Sinha SK, Wesson V, Wiesenfeld L, Kolker S, Kiss A, Lowthian J. 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 2024; 14:e056839. [PMID: 38199634 PMCID: PMC10806713 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
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 AND ANALYSIS 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Simon Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bjug Borgundvaag
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shelley L McLeod
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donald Melady
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rohit Mohindra
- Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samir K Sinha
- Department of Geriatrics, Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Divisoin of Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Virginia Wesson
- Depatment of Psychiatry, Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lesley Wiesenfeld
- Depatment of Psychiatry, Sinai Health Systems, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabrina Kolker
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Kiss
- Department of Research Design and Biostatistics, Sunnybrooke Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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