Introduction
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) protect their patients by advocating for specific health policies that inform their practice and care for patients. Policy briefs can be helpful in this task, as they contain reviews of relevant issues and proposals. The current paper briefly focuses on the topic of social isolation.
Lack of socialization significantly worsens the mental health and, subsequently, the physical condition of the population. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) should consider this threat and take action to protect the public. Although some weaknesses and shortcomings accompany the issue of social isolation, its solution can have a profoundly positive effect.
The Issue and the Role of APNs
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health problems, mainly due to the need for distancing. The studied brief is devoted to the issue of social isolation’s impact on health, the problem’s underestimation, and the need for regulation (Holt-Lunstad, 2020). Holt-Lunstad (2020) explains that social isolation implies little or no connection. Isolation promotes loneliness, with estimates ranging from 22 to 79% among various population groups (Holt-Lunstad, 2020). Isolation and loneliness cause deterioration in physical and mental health, increasing the mortality rate.
Given the consequences of isolation and loneliness, there is a need to increase awareness of their danger and to introduce a social perspective into various health policies. For example, social connections can be considered when assessing patients’ health or implemented as global goals to improve the nation’s health (Holt-Lunstad, 2020). PMHNPs can play a crucial role in addressing the issue and promoting policies related to isolation. These specialists analyze existing evidence, apply it in practice, contribute to policy development, and collaborate with the population to prevent mental disorders. They can also introduce the factor of social isolation in these activities.
Weaknesses and Strengths
One can consider the problem highlighted by the brief from several perspectives, which will reveal its advantages or weaknesses. In particular, the allocation of limited health resources to the issue of social isolation may distract from other threats, such as addiction, which represents a severe disadvantage. However, social isolation can become the basis and catalyst for many health problems: depression, dementia, or cardiovascular disease (Malcolm et al., 2019). Therefore, addressing this problem is a preventive measure and advantage.
Another weakness is the difficulty of the problem’s solution, as there is insufficient research and assessment measures, and numerous obstacles (Holt-Lunstad, 2020). An example of such a barrier is a pandemic, which limits the possibilities of personal social interaction, while technological communication methods can be complicated for some generations (Xie et al., 2020). Therefore, there is a need to research various aspects of the problem and overcome barriers.
Despite the difficulties associated with social isolation, the brief may have a positive impact. Drawing attention to the problem stimulates research to find possible methods to improve social ties and check their effectiveness. Moreover, the brief can provoke changes in health policy and related areas by adding a focus on socialization. In the long term, the consequence of addressing the problem briefly is reduced isolation and a less significant impact on public health.
Solutions
Addressing social isolation and its consequences for health should focus on several areas, considering the weaknesses and strengths of the problem. First of all, research is needed that tests more interventions in their effectiveness, for example, how much communication using technology is similar in influence to personal interaction.
Second, education of the population, especially the younger generation, in socio-emotional skills is needed. They will help seek support, promote mental health awareness, and enhance communication (Loads et al., 2020). Finally, a significant measure is the development of telemedicine in mental healthcare and its use by patients of various ages (Loads et al., 2020; Xie et al., 2020). Such actions require long-term efforts but will significantly reduce the adverse effects of social isolation.
Taking a Stand
In the role of a PMHNP, a specialist can protect the interests of patients when solving the isolation problem in several ways. A nurse may provide communities and schools with the necessary information for population education (Hanks et al., 2019). Community outreach enables specialists to effectively communicate the dangers of a problem and the potential solutions to a broader audience.
Nurses can also contribute to the development and application of digital medicine systems (Nickitas et al., 2020). By promoting digital methods and collaborating with various stakeholders, PMHNPs can contribute to the broader and more effective use of telemedicine in mental health. Finally, APNs play a crucial role in translating scientific evidence into practice by applying research findings in their daily activities. The PMHNP advocates for their patients and addresses isolation issues by enhancing practice quality, educating the population, and utilizing the most effective methods to combat social isolation.
Conclusion
Policy briefs reveal existing health issues, which may require attention from APNs. The current paper provides a brief overview of the problem of social isolation, which the COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictions have exacerbated. This question requires further research and may not be considered a severe problem.
However, social isolation leads to a significant deterioration in health, and addressing it will be an effective preventive measure. PMHNP can contribute to promoting policies that address isolation and protect the population from its detrimental effects. These specialists can encourage socio-emotional education, telemedicine applications, and research on the issue.
References
Hanks, R. G., Eloi, H., & Stafford, L. (2019). Understanding how advanced practice registered nurses function as patient advocates. Nursing Forum, 54(2), 213–219. Web.
Holt-Lunstad, J. (2020). Social isolation and health. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Web.
Loades, M. E., Chatburn, E., Higson-Sweeney, N., Reynolds, S., Shafran, R., Brigden, A., Linney, C., McManus, M. N., Borwick, C., & Crawley, E. (2020). Rapid systematic review: The impact of social isolation and loneliness on the mental health of children and adolescents in the context of COVID-19. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(11), 1218-1239. Web.
Malcolm, M., Frost, H., & Cowie, J. (2019). Loneliness and social isolation causal association with health-related lifestyle risk in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Systematic Reviews, 8(1), 1-8. Web.
Nickitas, D. M., Middaugh, D. K., & Feeg, V. D. (2020). Policy and politics for nurses and other health professionals: Advocacy and action (3rd ed.). Jones and Bartlett Learning.
Xie, B., Charness, N., Fingerman, K., Kaye, J., Kim, M. T., & Khurshid, A. (2020). When going digital becomes a necessity: Ensuring older adults’ needs for information, services, and social inclusion during COVID-19. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 32(4-5), 460-470. Web.