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Dissertation
The Implementation of a Loneliness Screening Tool for Residents in Long-Term Care
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2024
Abstract
Background: Nearly 1.4 million Americans reside in residential or long-term care facilities. Over 55% of these individuals report feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic subjected individuals within these facilities to experience high levels of loneliness and social isolation. Social isolation and loneliness are presumed to be continued feelings despite the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions within these facilities. Persistent feelings of loneliness and social isolation are linked to several comorbidities, most notably anxiety, depression, and increased mortality. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to identify individuals within a long-term care facility experiencing loneliness utilizing a modified UCLA Screening Tool. Evidence-based practice interventions were then implemented to reduce or eliminate feelings of loneliness. Methods: This project was deemed not human subjects research by the University of Iowa Review Board. The Iowa Model guided the implementation of this project. The setting was a long-term care facility in the Midwest. The population included adults >65 residing within this facility. Findings: There were 30 residents eligible for loneliness screening and 29 residents were screened throughout the project timeframe. In the first quarter of screening, 65.5% of residents scored positive for loneliness. All residents received offers for referrals to appropriate interventions within two weeks of their screening results. Post-intervention loneliness scores were reduced to 37.9% during the second quarter of screening. Discussion: The UCLA Loneliness Screening tool is an effective way to identify feelings of loneliness across various healthcare settings. This project resulted in the identification of a high volume of residents experiencing feelings of loneliness. Staff were educated on the signs, symptoms, and consequences of persistent loneliness. This facility plans to adopt a version of the modified UCLA Loneliness Screening Tool to continue identifying individuals experiencing loneliness.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The Implementation of a Loneliness Screening Tool for Residents in Long-Term Care
- Creators
- Alexx Lynn DeVore - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Larry Newman (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
- Date degree season
- Spring 2024
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2024 Alexx Lynn DeVore
- Comment
- Dual program with Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects; College of Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984627255202771
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