Report | Evaluation of the Improving Social Connectedness of Older Australians project pilot: Informing future policy considerations. Centre for Health Service Development, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong
Published: 2022
Brief Summary:
Thompson C, Morris D and Bird S (2022) Evaluation of the Improving Social Connectedness of Older Australians project pilot: Informing future policy considerations. Centre for Health Service Development, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong.
This report draws on findings and lessons learned through the Australian Government funded evaluation of the Improving Social Connectedness of Older Australians (ISCOA) pilot. It summarises what has worked in the context of the evaluation to help inform the Government’s future models of care and interventions for lonely and socially isolated older Australians.
The pilot commenced in January 2019 and concluded in June 2021. However during this period, project activities were suspended for approximately six months due to the impact of COVID-19. There were also several natural disasters that occurred during this time.
Two Primary Health Networks (PHNs) effectively implemented the pilot. Perth South (PS) PHN commissioned an external community-managed organisation to deliver the pilot and Nepean Blue Mountains (NBM) PHN directly employed a project officer and commissioned particular project components
Who is this for?
People and Organisations interested in social prescribing