Digital Connections with Loved Ones

What is it?

Digital connections with loved ones are a group of interventions that collectively aim to enhance social connectivity, provide cognitive support, and offer personalized reminders through integrating digital technologies. The intervention leverages videoconferencing, online social platforms, and customized computer interfaces to facilitate social engagement and support. The intervention period varied with a minimum duration of 3 months and a maximum of 12 months.

The digital tools used for this intervention encompass technology, equipment, and applications designed to process information in numeric codes, commonly in binary form. They include computers, computer tablets, iPads, the internet, web-based videos, communication, chatting, social groups, meetings, conferences and messages, sensors, social robots, smart mobile phones, social media tools, and the World Wide Web. For example, videoconferencing through platforms like MSN Messenger or Skype; group interaction through Living In Network-Connected Communities WhatsApp groups for low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy; social internet-based activity (SIBA) interventions, engaging individuals in social activities via various social websites; the PRISM (Personal Reminder Information and Social Management) system/software app; and EasyPC, a customized computer platform with a simplified touch-screen interface.

Is it effective?

How much does it cost?

While some reductions in loneliness were observed with this intervention, they were not statistically significant across the various follow-up periods.

The study encompasses adults aged 18 and above from six diverse countries: Taiwan, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.

How much does it cost?

On average, the cost of digital connections with loved ones is likely medium.

The intervention leverages widely available digital tools such as social websites, videoconferencing platforms (e.g. Skype, Zoom), and messaging apps (e.g. WhatsApp). Many of these services are free or have minimal subscription fees and can operate on standard devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers, which participants might already own. The intervention primarily requires internet access, a common and relatively inexpensive utility.

How secure is the evidence?

How can you implement it well?

Our confidence in social isolation and loneliness reduction estimate is very low.

There was higher certainty of evidence at 3 and 6 months follow-up after the intervention, but very low certainty at 4 months. This uncertainty is due to publication bias and imprecision.

This level of evidence suggests that the findings should be interpreted cautiously, and further high-quality research may be needed to confirm these results.

How can you implement it well?

To implement this intervention effectively, the following strategies can be considered:

Assess Individual Needs: Conduct an initial assessment to tailor the digital tools and platforms to each participant’s specific needs and preferences.
Provide Training and Ongoing Support: Offer comprehensive training for participants and caregivers on how to use digital technologies, along with continuous technical support to address any issues.
Facilitate Regular Engagement: Schedule regular videoconferencing sessions and online activities using videoconferencing and messaging platforms to maintain consistent social engagement (e.g. Skype or WhatsApp).
Ensure Accessibility: Select user-friendly digital tools with simplified interfaces, such as EasyPC, to accommodate participants with varying levels of digital literacy and ensure they can easily use the technology.

Equity Considerations

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

The review did not discuss equity concerning the implementation of this intervention, however, the digital literacy required for this intervention may necessitate more training and simplified interfaces for older populations. In addition, low-resource areas and low-income individuals may have limited access to technology and the Internet, requiring additional support to ensure they can participate fully. Programs must also be available in multiple languages to be effective for diverse populations. This includes providing training and support in participants' native languages and considering cultural preferences in social engagement activities.

Tailoring for Vulnerable Populations (Program Delivery)

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

The meta-analysis participants were not screened for loneliness therefore it is uncertain if the results would be the same for lonely individuals.

Analysis for Different Vulnerable Populations (Analysis)

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

Analysis for Different Vulnerable Populations (Analysis)

The data in the review was not analyzed across PROGRESS+ factors due to the limited number of included studies and the consequent lack of data on loneliness across participants’ demographic characteristics.

Topic Summary

There is a lack of research which directly measures the impact of digital connection with loved ones on social isolation and loneliness for older adults
While some reductions in loneliness were observed with this intervention, they were not statistically significant across the various follow-up periods.
To implement this intervention effectively, consider assessing individual needs, providing comprehensive training and support, facilitating regular engagement, and ensuring accessibility to digital tools for all participants.
Future research should prioritize increased RCTs with larger sample sizes, longer duration of interventions, and longer follow-up measurement periods. These studies should also consider prioritizing equity-seeking groups.

Digital Connections with Loved Ones

What is it?

Is it effective?

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

How secure is the evidence?

How can you implement it well?

How can you implement it well?

How can you implement it well?

How can you implement it well?

How can you implement it well?

Equity Considerations

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

Tailoring for Vulnerable Populations (Program Delivery)

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

Analysis for Different Vulnerable Populations (Analysis)

Expected to Work Differently for Specific Populations (Program Logic)

Analysis for Different Vulnerable Populations (Analysis)

Topic Summary

Original Study

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