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Strengthening Social Capital to Address Isolation and Loneliness in Long-term Care Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review of Research on Information and Communication Technologies
ABSTRACT
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately and severely affected older adults, namely those living in Long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Aside from experiencing high mortality rates, survivors were harshly concerned by social isolation and loneliness (SIL). To address this serious public health concern, and keep connected to LTCFs residents, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) platforms (ex. video calls) were employed as an alternative to keep social interactions amid visiting restriction policy.
Objective:
Objective:
To synthesize the effects of ICT-related communication interventions using messaging or chat, video, voice mail, or photo to address SIL in LTCF residents during the COVID-19 period.
Methods:
2,793 references were captured from 11 relevant electronic databases published in English and French from December 2019 onwards. A two-person approach was used to blindly screen eligible articles. A narrative synthesis was performed to interpret the results of the identified studies, and their quality was also appraised.
Results:
A total of 49 articles have been retrieved and four studies were included in the review. ICT-related applications were used to ensure connectedness to address social isolation and loneliness. ICT interventions consisted mainly in videoconferencing, intergroup video-call sessions between residents and chatting (text messages, phone call). Roughly three classes of mediating ICT tools were employed mainly: i) Video calls using softwares such as Skype, Zoom and FaceTime; ii) Robot system embedding video telephone; and finally, iii) ordinary telephone, internet, social media platforms, and videoconferencing. Although, included studies have shown some positive effect of ICT to use to combat SIL. Finally, this review has shown the galloping train of humanoid robots of LTCFs as an innovation avenue because of its multipurpose advantages (e.g., communication tools, remotely operable).
Conclusions:
Remote social capitalisation through ICT applications become an avenue to reduce SIL among LTCF residents. This review informs on a social connection approach that will remain relevant and even fostered in the post-Covid-19. As families remain main stakeholders of LTCFs, this study’s findings could light policymakers and frontline managers to better shape programs and initiatives to prevent or reduce SIL in LTCFs.
Citation
