Department of Psychiatry Seminar Series | Remote volunteering via smartphone to address patients' loneliness and social isolation and volunteer's stigma

People with psychosis often present social withdrawal and isolation, critical risk factors for poor physical and mental health, preventing engagement with treatment and impeding recovery. Research shows that people with psychosis frequently face stigma and discrimination from the general public, highlighting social contacts as the best way to reduce stigma. In mental health care, volunteers willingly donate their free time, unpaid, to provide company for patients. With remote volunteering, potentially a large number of volunteers could provide support, but research evidence is needed. 

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility of remote volunteer support for people with psychosis to reduce patients' social isolation and stigma among volunteers. 

Methods: A feasibility trial was conducted with patients with psychosis and volunteers to elicit their views and experiences of communicating with their match over the smart-phone (through texts, WhatsApp messages, e-mails, audio, or video calls). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed through thematic analysis. 

Results: Thirty four participants were matched and completed the follow-up assessment. Many adhered to the advised communication frequency of at least once/week. Most used audio calls or messaged; some opted for video calls and only one pair used e-mails. Communication topics included personal background, daily routines and shared interests. Some participants shared more personal information, others kept conversations superficial. 

Conclusion: Both patients and volunteers enjoyed communication with their match and were pleased with the relationships formed. This suggests remote volunteer support could be a feasible and acceptable method to reduce patients' loneliness and social isolation and decrease stigma among volunteers. 

This seminar is hosted in person in the Seminar Room.