Conclusions and recommendations for policy and practice

Below is a summary of the advice and recommendations endorsed in the selected studies. One set of recommendations is aimed at policymakers, the other for health and social care services.

Recommendations for policymakers

  1. When social distancing restrictions are introduced, predefined, evidence-based strategies to provide support during and after the pandemic is recommended to those who are most susceptible to loneliness (groups at risk) (Beridze et al., 2022).
  2. Social media use may replace real in-person contacts if these contacts are not possible. However, it is not recommended that solutions for combating loneliness be limited to using social media platforms. Moreover, a too high level of social media use can indicate a higher risk of loneliness. More knowledge is needed to assess how social media can be used to enhance people’s existing or new social relations (Latikka et al., 2021).
  3. Older adults are the most heterogeneous age group; differences between people increase with higher ages. One size does not fit all; what works for some older adults may not work for others. It is important to devise strategies that are effective for the right groups, at the right time. This heterogeneity should be taken into account in the planning of policy actions and interventions to support older adults (Kulmala et al., 2021).
  4. Future government measures should include targeted strategies for younger adults and people with a mental illness to decrease the risk of long-term health consequences. Promising examples of interventions may include phone pals or collaborative games and perhaps fewer restrictions for younger adults (Varga et al., 2021).
  5. It is important to acknowledge the negative effect of unemployment on mental health. Solutions should be worked out for those who became unemployed during lockdowns (e.g., people working in the hospitality industry or in professions where physical contact cannot be avoided, such as hairdressing and pedicures). The similarities and differences between countries can provide guidance for global recommendations specific to employed and unemployed people (Ruffolo et al., 2021).
  6. People who use hard drugs, and other hard-to-reach groups are not always informed about risks factors, symptoms, and protective measures regarding COVID-19. Opportunities should be provided to avoid risks, which may include mobile services for needle distribution, COVID-19 testing, and social support (Kølbæk et al., 2021).
  7. Many factors associated with loneliness and isolation are mutable and should be central to social equality and justice policies. Reducing loneliness and social isolation for as many people as possible therefore requires primary prevention and population-based strategies. Factors that need addressing include an adequate income, social engagement and connections, healthy behaviour, and dealing with specific needs for specific groups, such as caregivers and those living alone (O’Sullivan et al., 2021).
  8. The psychosocial well-being of people with disabilities should receive special attention during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic (Holm et al., 2021).
  9. Community-based and intergenerational programmes should ensure greater inclusion in society after the pandemic.

Recommendations for health and social care practice

  1. Adolescents and young adults with cancer should receive extra support and attention from healthcare institutions also after the lockdown period. If meeting in real life is not possible, online peer-to-peer groups may strengthen the patients’ physical and mental health, for example, through online rehabilitation and consultations (Hanghøj et al., 2022).
  2. Women who need an abortion can be offered telemedicine as an alternative to abortion care in hospital during lockdowns so that they have their partner’s support while unnecessary spread of the infection is avoided, and the safety and availability of abortion care is increased (Rydelius et al., 2022).
  3. It is important to be aware of the special needs of mothers with complications during pregnancy and motherhood adaptation, everyday routines, mental health, breastfeeding insecurity, and the social well-being of their children. When telephone/online contact replaced in-person contacts, the level of support provided to the women reduced. Face-to-face care should be highly prioritised during COVID-19 if at all possible, as it helps women to share worries and seek advice (Jensen et al., 2022).
  4. Attention is needed for caregivers of spouses who are demented but still living at home. As most of the formal care stopped or was significantly reduced for people with dementia living at home, caregivers of their demented spouses felt left alone during the first months of the pandemic, while many had a greater need for support services than before the pandemic (Rokstad et al., 2021).
  5. It is important that healthcare institutions are thorough and consistent in their provision of information (Kynø et al., 2021).
  6. Parents of premature children need to be supported both practically and psychologically to reduce any feelings of alienation and help to build a strong nuclear family. Parent support groups and parent peer groups should probably be continued, if not physically then digitally (Kynø et al., 2021).
  7. Healthcare professionals should continue to focus on how patients’ needs for professional help can be met and how the mental health of patients and their social contact with others can be supported – both virtually and physically (Mousing & Sørensen, 2021).
  8. Healthcare institutions might benefit from ‘a life-course perspective’ that explicitly recognises the causal links between exposure and outcomes within an individual’s life course (Savela et al., 2022).
  9. The healthcare sector should invest in more online services in the post-pandemic era and educate people in the use of online services. Technology might further contribute to effective caregiving (Savela et al., 2022).
  10. There is a need for continued support of individuals who are more affected by the pandemic and who demonstrate greater susceptibility to poor mental health outcomes as the pandemic continues, as well as increased efforts to contain the virus and address the negative impact of the pandemic and associated lockdowns on mental health (Pedersen et al., 2022).
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