Program to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults after emergency department discharge
Improving Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults Discharged From the Emergency Department - Comparing an Intergenerational Versus Same Generation Peer-support Intervention Versus Common Wait List Control Group in a Three Arm RCT
This study is testing whether older adults who feel lonely after leaving the emergency room can feel better with support from either peers their own age or younger volunteers making weekly phone calls.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 141 (estimated) |
| Ages | 70 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05998343 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to address social isolation and loneliness among older adults discharged from the emergency department by comparing two intervention approaches: support from same-generation peers and support from younger intergenerational volunteers. The HOW R U? intervention involves trained volunteers providing 12 weekly telephone support calls to participants aged 70 and older who exhibit loneliness. The study will utilize a randomized controlled trial design with a waitlist control group to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness. The findings will help identify which intervention characteristics are most effective for this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are community-dwelling individuals aged 70 and older who have been discharged from the emergency department and exhibit signs of loneliness.
Not a fit: Patients under 70 years of age, those with severe cognitive impairment, or individuals living in nursing homes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the quality of life and mental health of older adults by reducing feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar peer support interventions, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this novel intergenerational approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any community-dwelling person 70 years of age and older receiving care from the ED, Family Medicine, or Geriatric clinics at the two participating sites (MSH and NYGH) will be eligible. * Baseline de Jong loneliness scores of 2.0 will be required for participation in the trial. Exclusion Criteria: * Age less than 70 years; * Patients with communication problems (critically ill, unconscious, language barrier, speech impairment or otherwise unable to provide consent), or admission to a hospital for \> 72 hours. * Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those living in nursing homes who are dependent on others for their activity of daily living will be excluded. * Patients without any mobile phone or landline. Volunteers: * Volunteers will be 60 years of age or older to qualify as peer-support volunteers. * Volunteers will be 19-39 years of age to qualify as intergenerational volunteers.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Mount Sinai Hospital — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jacques Lee, MD
- Email: Jacques.lee@sinaihealth.ca
- Phone: 4168771447
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.