Our previous US surgeon general declared a loneliness epidemic, recognizing the increasing prevalence of loneliness and the associated risks of poorer physical and mental health and premature mortality. As specialists in whole person, comprehensive care, family physicians are uniquely equipped to inquire about and address loneliness in their patients.In this talk, we will review the health risks and comorbidities associated with loneliness and discuss a framework to think about how to address loneliness in our practices and communities. We will then identify some concrete steps we can each take to reduce loneliness and social isolation not only in our patients but also in ourselves, our colleagues and our communities.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
- To describe the health risks and comorbidities associated with loneliness
- To identify tools to screen for and manage loneliness in primary care
- To identify resources to implement practice changes to improve care for loneliness in primary care
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