Cochrane corner: video calls for reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people

Malinga, Thobile; Schmidt, Bey-Marrié; Wiysonge, Charles Shey

The occurrence of social isolation and loneliness has increased with the implementation of social distancing measures in multiple countries to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Numerous interventions addressing social isolation and loneliness have been studied, including social facilitation using video calls. A Cochrane review, published in May 2020, assessed the effectiveness of video calls for preventing social isolation and loneliness in the elderly. The authors conducted a comprehensive electronic search and found three eligible studies, none of which was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review provides limited and uncertain evidence regarding the effectiveness of video call interventions to reduce loneliness in the elderly. Given the need for social distancing among the elderly, even when social distancing measures are lifted in African countries, there is a need for further research on the effectiveness of video calls in reducing social isolation and loneliness among older people.