Individual- and group-level network-building interventions to address social isolation and loneliness: A scoping review with implications for COVID19.

PURPOSE: Worldwide mandates for social distancing and home-quarantine have contributed to loneliness and social isolation. We conducted a systematic scoping review to identify network-building interventions that address loneliness and isolation, describe their components and impact on network structure, and consider their application in the wake of COVID19. METHODS: We performed forward and backward citation tracking of three seminal publications on network interventions and Bibliographic search of Web of Science and SCOPUS. We developed data charting tables and extracted and synthesized the characteristics of included studies, using an iteratively updating form. FINDINGS: From 3390 retrieved titles and abstracts, we included 8 studies. These interventions focused on building networks at either individual- or group-levels. Key elements that were incorporated in the interventions at varying degrees included (a) creating opportunities to build networks; (b) improving social skills; (c) assessing network diagnostics (i.e. using network data or information to inform network strategies); (d) promoting engagement with influential actors; and (e) a process for goal-setting and feedback. The effect of interventions on network structures, or the moderating effect of structure on the intervention effectiveness was rarely assessed. CONCLUSIONS: As many natural face-to-face opportunities for social connection are limited due to COVID19, groups already at risk for social isolation and loneliness are disproportionately impacted. Network-building interventions include multiple components that address both the structure of individuals' networks, and their skills and motivation for activating them. These intervention elements could be adapted for delivery via online platforms, and implemented by trained facilitators or novice volunteers, although more rigorous testing is needed.

Adapting Interventions for Occupational Therapy Practice: Application of the FRAME Coding Structure.

Occupational therapy practitioners often adapt evidence-based interventions for implementation into practice, yet these adaptations are seldom captured systematically. The purpose of this study was to apply the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME) to describe adaptations to one intervention modified for teletherapy in the wake of COVID-19. An embedded multiple case study design was used to track adaptations made to a vestibular and bilateral integration (VBI) protocol-traditionally delivered in-person-that was implemented via teletherapy in a pediatric outpatient clinic. The "Modification and Adaptation Checklist" was used to track protocol adaptations. Data were examined through descriptive analyses; 63 adaptations were made to the VBI protocol. The most frequently noted adaptation was "Repeating protocol activities," whereas the "Integrating another treatment approach with the VBI protocol" was the least common adaptation. The FRAME may be useful for tracking adaptations and evaluating how adaptations influence intervention effectiveness.