HARNESSING THE POWER OF NETWORKS TO ADDRESS SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS, DEPRESSION, AND ELDER ABUSE

Abstract Challenges to aging and risks to physical health and mortality arise when older adults have untreated mental health needs, experiences social isolation, loneliness, or is a victim of elder abuse. This symposium presents three innovative models that harness the power of networks and collaboration between aging services and an academic medical center to meet the needs of ethnically diverse community seniors. These model programs include: embedded mental health services on-site in community senior centers; Friendly Visiting to homebound seniors; and PROTECT intervention to treat elder abuse victims’ mental health needs. Research from these innovative, collaborative programs indicate that over 50% of senior center members screened positive for depression and anxiety (higher than the national average of 3-20%), social isolation, loneliness, and elder abuse. Of the 75% who engage in treatment, 37.3% and 41% showed a 3-month improvement of depression and anxiety, respectively. For seniors who have a friendly visitor, one-third also suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Three months after being visited by a friendly visitor, 42% and 53% see improvement in loneliness and social isolation, respectively. Among victims of elder mistreatment, 33% screened positive for depression or anxiety and 16% reported suicidal ideation. Clients receiving the PROTECT intervention had a greater decrease in depression, felt services were more useful, and reported greater improvement in the abuse. To find and build strength in age, it is essential that programs and policy be developed to support collaboration and provide the opportunities for building and utilizing networks across different domains of aging.

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Impact of Covid-19 on the mental health needs of asylum seekers in Australia

Australasian Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/10398562211005445 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 103985622110054

Author(s):

Sarah Mares ◽

Kym Jenkins ◽

Susan Lutton ◽

Louise Newman AM

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Human Rights ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Asylum Seekers ◽

Health Needs ◽

Human Rights Violations ◽

Mental Health Needs

Objective: This paper highlights the significant mental health vulnerabilities of people who have sought asylum in Australia and their additional adversities as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Australia’s policies in relation to asylum seekers result in multiple human rights violations and add significantly to mental health vulnerabilities. Despite a majority being identified as refugees, people spend years in personal and administrative limbo and are denied resettlement in Australia. Social isolation and other restrictions associated with Covid-19 and recent reductions in welfare and housing support compound their difficulties. The clinical challenges in working with people impacted by these circumstances and the role of psychiatrists and the RANZCP in advocacy are identified.

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Supporting health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Mental health support initiatives and lessons learned from an academic medical center.

Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy ◽

10.1037/tra0000893 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (S1) ◽

pp. S168-S170 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Adam Gonzalez ◽

Cynthia Cervoni ◽

Megan Lochner ◽

Jessica Marangio ◽

Colleen Stanley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Medical Center ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Academic Medical ◽

Care Workers ◽

Mental Health Support ◽

Health Support

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Impact of Changes in EHR Use during COVID-19 on Physician Trainee Mental Health

Applied Clinical Informatics ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1731000 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (03) ◽

pp. 507-517

Author(s):

Katherine J. Holzer ◽

Sunny S. Lou ◽

Charles W. Goss ◽

Jaime Strickland ◽

Bradley A. Evanoff ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stress Disorder ◽

Medical Center ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Record ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Web Based ◽

Academic Medical ◽

Multivariable Models ◽

Physician Trainee

Abstract Objectives This article investigates the association between changes in electronic health record (EHR) use during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the rate of burnout, stress, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among physician trainees (residents and fellows). Methods A total of 222 (of 1,375, 16.2%) physician trainees from an academic medical center responded to a Web-based survey. We compared the physician trainees who reported that their EHR use increased versus those whose EHR use stayed the same or decreased on outcomes related to depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and burnout using univariable and multivariable models. We examined whether self-reported exposure to COVID-19 patients moderated these relationships. Results Physician trainees who reported increased use of EHR had higher burnout (adjusted mean, 1.48 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24, 1.71] vs. 1.05 [95% CI 0.93, 1.17]; p = 0.001) and were more likely to exhibit symptoms of PTSD (adjusted mean = 15.09 [95% CI 9.12, 21.05] vs. 9.36 [95% CI 7.38, 11.28]; p = 0.035). Physician trainees reporting increased EHR use outside of work were more likely to experience depression (adjusted mean, 8.37 [95% CI 5.68, 11.05] vs. 5.50 [95% CI 4.28, 6.72]; p = 0.035). Among physician trainees with increased EHR use, those exposed to COVID-19 patients had significantly higher burnout (2.04, p < 0.001) and depression scores (14.13, p = 0.003). Conclusion Increased EHR use was associated with higher burnout, depression, and PTSD outcomes among physician trainees. Although preliminary, these findings have implications for creating systemic changes to manage the wellness and well-being of trainees.

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Comparison of Adherence Rates for Antiretroviral, Blood Pressure, or Mental Health Medications for HIV-Positive Patients at an Academic Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy

Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy ◽

10.18553/jmcp.2014.20.8.809 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 20 (8) ◽

pp. 809-814 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Jacob Langness ◽

Paul F. Cook ◽

Jasjit Gill ◽

Rachael Boggs ◽

Nathan Netsanet

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Medical Center ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Academic Medical

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SOCIAL ISOLATION AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AMONG HIGH-NEEDS VETERANS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.1011 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S272-S273

Author(s):

Stuti Dang ◽

Kiranmayee Muralidhar ◽

Kaicheng Wang ◽

Diana Ruiz ◽

Carlos Gomez-Orozco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Veterans Affairs ◽

High School Education ◽

Health Needs ◽

Assistive Device ◽

Mental Health Needs ◽

Telephone Contact ◽

Mobility Function ◽

Assessment Questionnaire

Abstract Using predictive analytic modeling, the Veterans Affairs has identified vulnerable Veterans, labeled as High Need High Risk (HNHR), as those who need greater services and support. To better understand their need gaps, we assessed function, mobility, mood, and caregiver status using a mailed needs assessment questionnaire to 1112 HNHR Veterans. Among the 341(30.7%) respondents, they were primarily 274(80.4%) Non-Hispanics; 210(61.6%) Whites, and 119(34.9%) Black or African Americans; average age was 69.5±9.6 years old; 310(90.4%) had ≥high school education. The average Barthel ADL score was 81.5±22.8 and average Lawton IADL score was 5.8±2.2. Walking or balance issues were present among 260(75.8%), 227(66.2%) said they use an assistive device, and 167(48.7%) had suffered ≥1 fall, 43(12.5%). Regarding depression, 117(34.3%) screened positive (PHQ2 score≥3). These were significantly younger (66.7±9.1) than those who did not (70.8±9.3, p≤0.01). They were also significantly lower functioning (5.37±2.1 vs.6.38±2 Lawton IADL score, p≤0.01), more dependent (77.8±23.1 vs 86±19.2 Barthel ADL score, p≤0.01). We also observed significant differences in their telephone contact with family (never to once/week) [35(29.9%) vs. 27(13.4%), (p≤0.01)]; in meeting with friends or relatives ≥3times a week [12(10.3%) vs. 69(34.3%), (p≤0.01)]; and in likelihood of attending meetings with clubs or other organizations [94(80.3%) vs. 138(68.7%), p=0.040]. Detecting depression is a priority among HNHR Veterans. There is an urgent need to devise viable strategies to offer interventions that incorporate mental health needs and reduce social isolation, potentially addressing mobility, function, and transportation.

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Treatment gap and mental health service use among Syrian refugees in Sultanbeyli, Istanbul: a cross-sectional survey

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences ◽

10.1017/s2045796019000660 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

D. C. Fuhr ◽

C. Acarturk ◽

M. McGrath ◽

Z. Ilkkursun ◽

E. Sondorp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Health Needs ◽

Syrian Refugees ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Treatment Gap ◽

Mental Health Needs ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Negative Attitudes

Abstract Aims Syrian refugees may have increased mental health needs due to the frequent exposure to potentially traumatic events and violence experienced during the flight from their home country, breakdown of supportive social networks and daily life stressors related to refugee life. The aim of this study is to report evidence on mental health needs and access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) among Syrians refugees living in Sultanbeyli-Istanbul, Turkey. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Syrian refugees aged 18 years or over in Sultanbeyli between February and May 2018. We used random sampling to select respondents by using the registration system of the municipality. Data among 1678 Syrian refugees were collected on mental health outcomes using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL-5) and the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) for depression and anxiety. We also collected data on health care utilisation, barriers to seeking and continuing care as well as knowledge and attitudes towards mental health. Descriptive analyses were used. Results The estimated prevalence of symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety was 19.6, 34.7 and 36.1%, respectively. In total, 249 respondents (15%) screened positive for either PTSD, depression or anxiety in our survey and self-reported emotional/behavioural problems since arriving in Sultanbeyli. The treatment gap (the proportion of these 249 people who did not seek care) was 89% for PTSD, 90% for anxiety and 88% for depression. Several structural and attitudinal barriers for not seeking care were reported, including the cost of mental health care, the belief that time would improve symptoms, fear of being stigmatised and lack of knowledge on where and how to get help. Some negative attitudes towards people with mental health problems were reported by respondents. Conclusions Syrian refugees hardly access MHPSS services despite high mental health needs, and despite formally having access to the public mental health system in Turkey. To overcome the treatment gap, MHPSS programmes need to be implemented in the community and need to overcome the barriers to seeking care which were identified in this study. Mental health awareness raising activities should be provided in the community alongside the delivery of psychological interventions. This is to increase help-seeking and to tackle negative attitudes towards mental health and people with mental health problems.

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