Digital interventions for social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions: A systematic review

Model System:

Burn

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J91263

Journal:

Journal of Medical Systems

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2023 , 47, 26,

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study reviewed the literature on the use of digital interventions for social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies that adopted digital technology interventions to improve social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions. Data on study methodology, participant and digital intervention characteristics, and findings related to social participation were extracted. The search yielded a total of 4,646 articles and 14 articles (five randomized controlled trials, two non-randomized clinical trials, and seven one-group pretest-posttest clinical trials) met the inclusion criteria. Studies were organized based on the digital intervention strategy implemented to improve social participation: group support, individual skill training or counseling, education and support, and mixed intervention. The group support interventions developed a social network among participants through videoconference, app, or virtual reality platform. Three studies reported positive improvements in different aspects of social participation. Individual skill training or counseling mainly utilized phone calls to help participants cope with activity participation and interpersonal relationship issues. Only two studies demonstrated benefits for social participation. The education and support intervention, which used messages and website information to increase participants' knowledge and provide support, showed positive findings in three studies. Findings suggest that digital interventions for improving social participation in adults with long-term physical conditions are feasible and the effectiveness of different strategies may vary.

Author(s):