RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Implementation of Social Isolation Screening and an Integrated Community Resource Referral Platform
JF The Journal of the American Board of Family
                Medicine
JO J Am Board Fam Med
FD American Board of Family Medicine
SP jabfm.2023.230047R1
DO 10.3122/jabfm.2023.230047R1
A1 Gunn, Rose
A1 Pisciotta, Maura
A1 Volk, Molly
A1 Bowen, Megan
A1 Gold, Rachel
A1 Mossman, Ned
YR 2023
UL http://www.jabfm.org/content/early/2023/08/30/jabfm.2023.230047R1.abstract
AB Background: Screening and referral programs for social isolation and loneliness in older patients increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care settings to mitigate associated adverse health outcomes. This study explores community health centers’ experiences implementing a social isolation and loneliness screening program involving a community resource referral platform integrated into the electronic health record to support referrals.Methods: A formative mixed methods evaluation in 4 community health centers. Semistructured interviews, observation of implementation meetings, facilitated group discussions, surveys, and utilization data extracted from the electronic health record and community resource referral platform were collected and analyzed concurrently.Results: Screening for social isolation and loneliness can heighten health center staff knowledge and prioritization of socially isolated older patients. Participants indicate using an integrated community resource referral platform may only be useful in certain circumstances, particularly for those located outside urban areas. The experiences of these health centers indicate that when implementing interventions to mitigate patients’ social isolation and loneliness, it is necessary to consider other resource directories, needed adjustments to referral and documentation workflows, and potential impacts on patients and care teams.Conclusion: Screening older patients for social isolation could increase care team awareness of social risk; assistance related referral options should be considered carefully.