Social Connection Measurement Tools for Older Adults in Long-Term Care Homes: A Scoping Review
Year: 2023
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Background: Tools measuring social connection in long-term care (LTC) home residents use inconsistent terminology, leading to ambiguous operationalization. This study analyzes how distinct but related aspects of social connection have been measured in LTC homes.Methods: A content analysis with a deductive-inductive approach was used to analyze measurement items and an adapted Framework Method was used for data management. Dementia and non-dementia-specific tools were compared according to content, mode of administration and scoring options. Results: 57 studies reporting on 31 tools were identified, which assessed seven aspects of social connection: social network, social interaction, social engagement, social support, social isolation, social connectedness and loneliness. Dementia-specific tools focused on social interaction and non-dementia-specific tools focused on social network and social support. Conclusion: Tools vary in their operationalization of social connection based on seven measured aspects and target population (dementia or non-dementia-specific). Future research should assess these tools’ psychometric properties.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Liougas, Madalena Pamela
Institution: University of Toronto
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7132898895