Implementing a telephone-based support program to address loneliness in older adults.

ABSTRACT: Social isolation and loneliness are key social determinants of health linked to poor outcomes. While telephone-based support programs have some evidence, their implementation remains understudied. We evaluated the Friendship Line, a 24-h telephone-based support program for older adults, using an implementation science lens. This included structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with staff (N = 13), volunteers (N = 17), and older adult callers (N = 27), totaling 57 participants. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and mapped onto the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Six key features were identified for the success of telephone-based loneliness support programs: (1) fostering trust and reliability through 24-h access; (2) creating a safe and nonjudg

SUBMITTER: Perissinotto CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12576872 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature