I Live Alone but Don't Feel Alone: Social Isolation and Loneliness From the Patient Perspective

Authors

Julia Bedard-Thomas, University of Cincinnati; The Christ HospitalFollow
Christian Gausvik, University of Cincinnati; The Christ HospitalFollow
Jonathan Wessels, University of CincinnatiFollow
Saundra Regan, University of CincinnatiFollow
Keesha Goodnow, University of CincinnatiFollow
Anna Goroncy, University of CincinnatiFollow

Publication Date

10-28-2019

Keywords

social isolation, loneliness, homebound persons, qualitative research, patient-centered care

Abstract

A growing homebound population may be at risk for social isolation and loneliness. Health-related social needs play a contributing role in these conditions. Research shows social isolation and loneliness are drivers of health outcomes. This pilot feasibility study seeks to explore patient-centered insight into perceptions of social isolation and loneliness in a homebound population. Eight participants were recruited from a home-based primary care practice within a family medicine residency program. One 30-minute semi-structured interview was completed in participants’ homes. The interview focused on loneliness and social isolation, using the 6-item De Jong Gerveld loneliness scale. Three qualitative analysts open-coded transcriptions independently. Themes were defined using thematic analysis, then triangulated around a consensus of themes. Patients denied loneliness, but most described social isolation, highlighting the potential need for more targeted documentation and intervention in this arena. The most reported barrier affecting social isolation in our study population was mobility issues. The patient perspective is useful to focus the target of approach. Based on this pilot, additional research with a larger sample size across multiple sites is warranted to further explore homebound patients’ experience of loneliness and social isolation in order to better guide assessment and interventions for these common problems.

Recommended Citation

Bedard-Thomas J, Gausvik C, Wessels J, Regan S, Goodnow K, Goroncy, A. I live alone but don't feel alone: social isolation and loneliness from the patient perspective. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2019;6:262-6. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1715