Social isolation and loneliness in serious illness: what Compassionate Communities can offer.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Social isolation and loneliness are common in people with advanced illness. This leads to reduced quality of life and all-cause mortality. The aim of this review is to identify the causes of social isolation in those with serious illness and consider the role of Public Health Palliative Care (PHPC) and Compassionate Communities in reducing these insidious issues.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have expanded the evidence base around the causes of social isolation in those with serious illness. While there has been a plethora of research on the outcomes of Compassionate Communities initiative recent research has identified that more needs to be done to evidence their effectiveness and efficiency.

SUMMARY: Social isolation and loneliness in those with serious illness have a negative effect on the quality of life. However, much still needs to be done to improve this situation in an effective and efficient way that meet the needs of individuals. It would appear that PHPC, and in particular Compassionate Communities, have a key role to play in this endeavour.