Date of Conferral

3-26-2026

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Susan Huehn

Abstract

This doctoral project was conducted as a quality improvement organizational change initiative aimed at reducing social isolation among elderly hospice patients through structured social interventions. Social isolation is a significant psychosocial concern in hospice populations and is associated with increased emotional distress, depression, and decreased quality of life. Despite hospice care’s holistic philosophy, structured and standardized social engagement interventions are inconsistently implemented across settings, creating a gap in practice. The practice-focused question guiding this project was: In elderly hospice patients experiencing social isolation, how do structured social interventions (regular visits, group activities, and emotional support systems), compared to standard hospice care, affect social isolation and emotional well-being following a 12-week intervention period? The purpose of this project was to evaluate a 12-week pilot of structured social interventions to improve emotional well-being and reduce social isolation among socially isolated elderly patients within a hospice setting. The Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice model guided evidence appraisal and translation, and the plan-do-study-act framework guided implementation and evaluation. Pre- and postintervention data were collected using validated tools, including the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Lubben Social Network Scale. Findings demonstrated measurable reductions in loneliness scores and improvements in patient satisfaction and perceived emotional support. This project supports patient-centered end-of-life care with potential for broader adoption across hospice organizations to improve holistic quality of life outcomes.

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