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BACKGROUND: Social isolation is associated with increased all-cause and premature mortality, poor chronic disease management, and mental health concerns. Limited research exists on interventions addressing social isolation among individuals under 65 despite its increasing prevalence among young and middle-aged adults. AIM: To identify interventions from the extant literature that address social isolation and loneliness in ambulatory healthcare settings in adults aged 18-64, and to identify elements of successful studies for future intervention design. DESIGN & SETTING: Systematic review of interventions targeting social isolation in community-dwelling adults aged 18-64 within ambulatory healthcare settings. METHOD: A search strategy was developed to identify relevant articles in the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, EBM Reviews, Scopus, CINAHL and PsychInfo. Data were extracted on study design and setting, intervention type, outcome related to social isolation/loneliness and scale of measure used. RESULTS: 25,078 citations were identified and underwent title and abstract screening. 75 articles met our inclusion criteria and were synthesised, including an assessment of bias. Effective interventions were delivered in community health settings, incorporated a group component, and used digital technologies. They also addressed the association between mental health and social isolation using CBT approaches and enhanced self-management and coping strategies for chronic conditions through psycho-educational interventions. CONCLUSION: Future research should prioritise adults living in low- and middle-income countries, racialized individuals, as well as those with fewer educational opportunities. There is also a need to advance research in primary care settings, where longitudinal patient-provider relationships would facilitate the success of interventions.
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cost and impact of routine preoperative computed tomography (CT) in patients with high-grade endometrial cancer, and its role in identifying extrauterine disease. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients with high-grade endometrial cancer who underwent routine CT scan prior to surgical procedure between September 1, 2005, and January 31, 2015. Cases in which CT findings led to alterations in the treatment plan were documented. Incidental findings unrelated to endometrial cancer diagnosis were captured. Cost of imaging and diagnostic procedures was based on Ontario's Physician Services-Schedule of Benefits. RESULTS: Of 179 patients included, 57 (31.9%) were diagnosed with stage 3-4 disease. CT showed evidence of metastatic disease in 30 (16.8%) patients; however, planned surgical procedure was altered in only nine (5.0%) cases. CT results showed incidental findings requiring follow-up in 78 (43.6%) cases, three of which were second malignancies. We estimate an expenditure of CAD$14 185.85 on routine imaging for every case in which surgical management was changed. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CT imaging is efficacious in identifying extrauterine disease in patients with high-grade endometrial cancer, although it seldom alters surgical management. Many of these CT scans will identify incidental findings requiring further interventions, resulting in substantial costs.
