demand evidence that providers can actually influence outcomes for their patients. New research from Fountain House does just that by demonstrating that, with the right interventions, it is absolutely possible to measure and dramatically reduce loneliness in a way that meaningfully improves lives.
Fountain House pioneered the clubhouse model, a psychosocial rehabilitation model that supports people with serious mental illness (SMI). By addressing social drivers of health, they not only facilitate recovery but also reduce Medicaid costs by 21% relative to a comparable high-risk SMI population. An economic model they built found that clubhouses reduce overall costs to society by more than $11,000 per person annually. This is significant considering that people with SMI are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience loneliness compared to the general population.
Fountain House didn’t stumble into measuring loneliness. They actively collected patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including loneliness, quality of life, and thriving. The results showed a significant reduction in loneliness among members after joining Fountain House, with 58% experiencing reduced loneliness at follow-up. Utilizing the UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale, a majority of these individuals became “non-lonely” after participating in Fountain House programs.
Measuring Loneliness with the UCLA Scale The UCLA Loneliness Scale consists of three simple questions: How often do you feel you lack companionship? How often do you feel left out? How often do you feel isolated from others? Respondents score their answers on a scale of 1 to 3, with a total score ranging from 3 to 9. A score of 6 or over is defined as “lonely.”
Implications for Policy and Practice The use of the UCLA Loneliness Scale offers feasibility, quality improvement, and accountability benefits for providers looking to reduce loneliness in their populations. By incorporating this measure into performance assessments, providers can better understand the impact of their interventions and prioritize resources accordingly.
Conclusion The epidemic of loneliness, exacerbated by the pandemic, requires a concerted effort to address as a population health crisis. By measuring loneliness and implementing evidence-based interventions, we can make significant strides in reducing its prevalence and improving the overall health and well-being of communities. It is imperative that we take action now to combat the loneliness epidemic and support those in need.
