Group intervention to address loneliness in older adults
Loneliness Group Intervention for Geriatric Psychiatry Inpatients
This study is testing a new group program to help older adults in a psychiatric unit feel less lonely and improve their well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05619718 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a group intervention designed to combat loneliness among geriatric psychiatry inpatients. The intervention, known as Awareness, Courage, and Love Groups, is based on functional analytic psychotherapy principles. The study will evaluate whether these groups can be effectively implemented and whether they show preliminary efficacy in improving the well-being of participants. The research will focus on older adults admitted to a psychiatric unit, gathering insights on their experiences and outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults admitted to a geriatric psychiatry inpatient unit.
Not a fit: Patients who are disoriented, delirious, or unable to participate meaningfully in group activities will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the emotional well-being and social connectedness of older adults facing loneliness.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in this specific context, similar interventions targeting loneliness in older adults have shown promise in other settings.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Admission to geriatric psychiatry inpatient unit Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who are disoriented to person, delirious, unable to tolerate or participate meaningfully in the group, or otherwise unable to provide consent to research and psychotherapy
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- Parkwood Institute Mental Health — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elisabeth VanBussel, MD — St. Joseph's Health Care London
- Study coordinator: Serena Wong, PhD
- Email: serena.wong@sjhc.london.on.ca
- Phone: 519-455-5110
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.