Interactive Television as a Medium to Reduce Social Isolation in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an interactive television program, Room with a View, to address social isolation in older adults residing Rhode Island (RI) and Southern Massachusetts (MA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Methods: Using an Omaha System guideline for best practices in reducing social isolation and loneliness in older adults, the project team developed 25 evidence-based television episodes with the help of a production company. The program was aired on commercial, traditional (non-cable) television to allow for easy access. RESULTS: Using a traditional consumer media in an interactive format allowed for rapid outreach to an older population in congregate care and community settings to engage them in activities that included physical, psychological, and social engagement.  Conclusion: Room with a View was a quick, but effective, interactive TV program that has successfully reached older adults at risk of loneliness and social isolation in RI and Southern MA, and it can serve as a model for future programs.

Health Promotion in an Opioid Treatment Program: An Evidence-Based Nursing Quality Improvement Project.

Community assessment and review of the literature indicate that individuals supported in opioid treatment programs are at a significant disadvantage for access to preventative and primary healthcare. In addition, this population faces increased comorbidities and chronic disease. Finally, access to housing, nutritious food, and other social determinants of health is also a challenge for these individuals. This project, aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and improving health outcomes for the opioid treatment program client, was undertaken at a large, private, not-for-profit, community mental health center in an urban area. An education-practice partnership was created between the center and the local university's College of Nursing, which includes undergraduate and graduate programs. Working with administration, nurses, medical staff, and clinicians, the advanced practice nurse guided nursing practice change within the context of an interdisciplinary team to increase attention to clients' health needs. Outcomes included a more comprehensive nursing health assessment and increased attention to nursing care coordination. The partnership between the university and the facility continues with the goal of addressing clients' unmet healthcare needs and improving wellness via on-site intervention, referral, and education.