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Systematic Narrative Review
A narrative review of social work
interventions, focusing on telephone
befriending for people over 65 who are
experiencing loneliness.
Abstract
Context
This study has looked at loneliness, its impact on older people, and the
effectiveness of telephone befriending supports as a way to manage the
impact of this condition on individuals.
It has taken an International perspective, covers a 20-year period and takes its
studies from a range of settings. 5 Key themes were identified and
synthesised to explore their transferability to a UK context.
Overall, the evidence has been positive, but further research would be
required as the studies were small in number. Some specific areas of the
findings would also benefit from additional research, including the befriending
opportunities within Nursing Home Care and the LGBTQ+ community.
Methods
Searches were started in January 2021 and further work completed on a
monthly basis for an additional 3 months to make sure relevant research was
not missed.
Three databases were used in the search, though additional ones were
explored to make sure no additional studies were overlooked. Three search
engines used were;
PsycINFO (Ovid platform);
Social Care Online; and,
Social service Abstracts.
Key concepts used included - "social work" AND "Loneliness" AND "Older
people" AND Telephone Befriending.
Findings
Findings were primarily very positive towards the effectiveness of telephone
befriending in relation to loneliness, anxiety, and depression, but less suitable
in relation to physical well-being. The findings provide optimism for the
potential use of this type of intervention, though more research needs to be
completed.
Conclusions
Accepting that there were only a small number of studies, 7 over a 20-year
period, (2000 to 2020), and then 4 between 2020/21 (during the Covid-19
outbreak), it is clear more research will be required to provide a greater