Harnessing Social Connections to Treat Disease
ԹϴӪ professor Tyrone Hamler argues that loneliness among dialysis patients is not only an emotional concern but a clinical one—and offers recommendations for how social workers can help address it.
A dialysis clinic is rarely quiet. In open, fluorescent-lit rooms, patients sit side by side, connected to humming, rhythmic machines that fill the silence between them. For those living with end-stage kidney disease, these visits are more frequent, typically three times a week.
They spend hours in the same chair, surrounded by people. Still, many of them feel alone.
, an assistant professor in the Graduate School of Social Work, is hoping to fix that. Recently, Hamler published a perspective article in the American Journal of Kidney Disease, recommending ways to advance social connectedness for people living with end-stage kidney disease.
Social connectedness—the feeling of belonging that comes from shared experiences and daily interactions—is something people naturally crave. Hamler’s goal is to integrate social connection into the clinical fabric of dialysis care—not as an optional benefit but as an essential component of whole-person health.
“Dialysis can become a grind. Because of the schedule, the toll the treatments take on you,” Hamler says. “There’s a big psychological component to a life sustaining treatment.”
Hamler saw this first-hand while working as a dialysis social worker, overseeing approximately 120 patients.
“I worked with the same group of folks for years,” he says. “A lot of the work in dialysis is really relational—getting to know patients, their families, and their home environments to support their health.”
In the article, Hamler offers five recommendations for social workers to better address the social dimensions of dialysis care. Together, these recommendations highlight the importance of recognizing isolation not just as an emotional concern, but as a clinical one that shapes patient outcomes.
Improve detection of loneliness and social isolation
People living with chronic illness, Hamler says, are often in a position where they may be more isolated. Perhaps they’re physically limited in ways they weren’t before. Managing a diagnosis can also cause mental strain, leading to depression and anxiety.
Hamler recommends that multidsiscplinary teams leverage psychosocial assessments conducted by social workers, which evaluate mental health, social functioning, and environmental influences. This aims to identify strengths, unmet needs, and resource gaps.
Implement evidence-based social support interventions
After identifying a person experiencing social isolation, Hamler suggests introducing a social support intervention, such as a peer mentoring program or chronic disease self-management program. Even small opportunities for peer connection can have a measurable impact on emotional well-being and engagement in care.
“A lot of people are struggling. They’re having a difficult time right now. When you add on trying to manage a serious health condition, the difficulty multiplies,” Hamler says.
Revitalize the in-center experience
Hamler envisions increasing social connectedness by reimagining the in-center experience—turning routine treatments into opportunities for connection.
“It’s a natural place of social interaction,” Hamler says. “How do we leverage that space as a space for connection? How can we support the professionals who are already overloaded with tasks?”
Hamler sees opportunities for roundtable conversations, patient support groups, lobby resource fairs, and ways to safely allow visits from friends and family.
Engage family caregivers
Across the country, 53 million family caregivers help adults with chronic conditions manage medications, get to appointments, and stay socially connected. But this group remains an untapped resource in our healthcare system.
When healthcare teams actively engage caregivers through group programs and regular involvement in care planning, both patients and caregivers benefit. Supporting caregiver well-being also helps sustain patient care. Socially connected caregivers are often better equipped to provide consistent emotional and practical support.
Leverage technology for social connection
With computers in our pockets, the world is at our fingertips. Technology makes it easy to stay connected with friends and family, access educational resources and virtual health care, and more. By helping patients connect with others through platforms like Zoom or social media, social workers can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Hamler suggests leveraging technology to offer peer mentoring, virtual check-ins, or educational webinars.
While these recommendations give social workers a place to start, more research is needed to fully understand social connectedness from the patient perspective.
“What do patients and caregivers value? What do they care about? We need to shape our care and priorities around them,” Hamler says.