BRIDGING THE GAP: FIGHTING SOCIAL ISOLATION IN HOSPICE THROUGH EDUCATION

Abstract

Hospice patients with terminal diseases often experience social isolation and loneliness at the end of their lives due to factors such as cultural norms, transportation barriers, and challenges related to their diagnosis. Social isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for depression, which exacerbate the severity of symptoms from other diseases and increase mortality rates, leaving hospice patients particularly vulnerable to these health risks. This thesis examined whether education enhanced community engagement with hospice patients, thereby reducing social isolation and loneliness. Students were recruited to participate in a survey assessing their understanding of hospice care and the effects of social isolation. The students then received educational materials that included interviews with a hospice volunteer. Following this, the students retook the survey on hospice care and social isolation, and the results were analyzed using a pre-post analysis. The surveys showed an overall lack of knowledge surrounding hospice care and fear as primary barriers to engagement. Increased education of students is necessary to reduce hesitations with hospice care and increase social engagement.