Document Type

Report

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Date of Final Presentation

3-27-2025

Committee Chair

Katherine Doyon, PhD, Med, RN, CHPN

Committee Member

Ron Ordana, DNP, FNP-BC, GS-C, WCC

Coordinator/ Chair of DNP Program

April Howell, DNP, RN

Abstract/ Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Problem Description: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher rates of depression and contribute to a variety of mental and physical conditions. In socially isolated older adults, managing depression and chronic medical conditions can lead to negative outcomes that include poor quality of life, increased disability and morbidity leading to higher healthcare costs, and elevated mortality rates.

Setting: Project took place in a community behavioral health clinic in the Pacific Northwest.

Rationale: This project is guided by the Iowa Model. The model was tailored to assist in identifying the problem, gathering and evaluating relevant evidence from the literature, implementation of evidence-based practice methods to assist in addressing this problem, dissemination of knowledge, and adoption of strategies found to be effective and sustainable.

Specific Aims: This project aimed to provide awareness on the importance of maintaining meaningful social connections to a group of older adults through engagement in group discussions and social activities.

Project Outcomes: The project outcomes included completion of questionnaires to assess participants’ perception of being socially isolated and lonely, to engage participants in group discussions, group activities, and to encourage contact with family and/or friends.

Implementation and Evaluation Plan: 10 older adults voluntarily agreed to participate in the project. The group met once per week for seven weeks engaging in discussions on planned topics, enjoying ice breaker games, and other activities as a group. Pre-intervention and post-intervention questionnaires were completed by all in attendance to assess their perception of loneliness and social isolation.

Results: The group met once per week for seven consecutive weeks from June through July 2024. Participant attendance varied weekly. A pre-intervention questionnaire was completed. Feedback on potential group activities was discussed amongst the group. Ice breaker questions were utilized at each meeting to promote conversation amongst the group. The DNP student initiated open discussions on specific health-related topics each week. Based on group feedback, the student selected locations within the community where we engaged in group activities. A post-intervention questionnaire was completed. Participants expressed enjoyment of the group, sadness about the project ending, and hope that similar social activity groups may be offered in the future.

Interpretation: Key findings align with the literature suggesting that consultation with group members to develop and plan activities and interventions, and an educational component for group discussion in a supportive environment, were found to be beneficial. While there was no statistical difference in results for perceived feelings of loneliness and social isolation, the aims of the project were met which was interpreted as a positive response. Revisions could be beneficial in tailoring interventions to further address feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Conclusions: Based on positive feedback from the participants, this project demonstrated positive outcomes through the development of meaningful connections and from the increase in activity engagement. This project has the potential to be sustainable and beneficial for the development of social connections and may provide a valuable model for future programs aimed at reducing isolation/loneliness in older adults.

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