Lightning Talk
A Novel Intervention for Loneliness in Geriatric Primary Care
Tuesday, September 13, 2022, 1:15 pm - 2:15 pm CDT
Keyword:
Geriatrics
This Lightning Talk will describe and introduce a pilot research study using the Liberating Loneliness Program, a novel occupational therapy (OT) intervention, to address loneliness and chronic disease management among older adults in the primary care setting. The primary care setting is often fast-paced and requires the expertise and coordination of multiple professionals to provide the best quality of care. In addition, loneliness is a complex condition to address, as each person’s situation is unique. This intervention takes a holistic approach and requires building a relationship between the provider (in this case, the OT) and the patient to help identify life factors and feasible strategies to meet goals. Participants were given a voice in their own treatment and set personalized goals for themselves with the help of an OT making goals achievable, measurable, and meaningful. Strategies to meet these goals included involvement in community, drawing on strengths to meet personal health goals, and addressing barriers in their various contexts. This program also enhanced the patient experience in health care, as participants expressed feeling heard by a health care professional (OT) and appreciated having someone to help them work through any unaddressed chronic health issues. The program was integrated to the primary care setting, yet treatment sessions did not interfere with clinical flow as it was a service provided via telehealth and did not require adding appointment times at the in-person clinic. The unique opportunities and need for interprofessional collaboration in this project will be highlighted, as this was a significant component of the intervention’s success and participant recruitment. Referrals to other health professionals and regular communication with participants’ providers were necessary for successful implementation of this intervention and will continue to be necessary if this program is implemented in the future.
Accreditation Details
In support of improving patient care, this activity is planned and implemented by The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Office of Interprofessional Continuing Professional Development (OICPD). The OICPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
The National Center OICPD is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change.
Physicians: The National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education designates this live activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with their participation.
Physician Assistants: The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME.
Nurses: Participants will be awarded contact hours of credit for attendance at this workshop.
Nurse Practitioners: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP) accepts credit from organizations accredited by the ACCME and ANCC.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians: This activity is approved for contact hours.
Athletic Trainers: This program is eligible for Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program.
Social Workers: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, the National Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The National Center maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive continuing education credits.
IPCE: This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.