What question did this study set out to answer?

Evaluate the feasibility of the UCLA Loneliness Scale for screening loneliness in older inpatients.

February 8, 2026

3743 Screening for loneliness in geriatric inpatients using the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) loneliness scale (version 3)

SVS VinjamuriMedway Maritime Hospital SSSanjay SumanMedway Maritime Hospital SIS IdreesMedway Maritime Hospital

Key Points

Evaluate the feasibility of the UCLA Loneliness Scale for screening loneliness in older inpatients.
Cross-sectional study of 50 randomly selected patients aged 65 and over.
Data collection on UCLA-3 scores, completion time, and Clinical Frailty Scale status.
Screening conducted by resident doctors on geriatric wards.
82% of patients completed the UCLA-3 in under 5 minutes.
48% of screened patients exhibited moderate to severe frailty.
32% of participants were identified as lonely according to UCLA scores.

Abstract

Abstract Background Loneliness is common among older adults and linked to poor health outcomes. In the UK, around 1.4 million older people experience frequent loneliness, a number expected to rise. Despite its impact, loneliness is often unrecognised in acute hospitals. The UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3 (UCLA-3) is a brief, validated 3-item tool with 77% sensitivity and 61% specificity, suitable for routine geriatric screening. Objectives · Assess feasibility of UCLA-3 for rapid loneliness screening. · Determine loneliness prevalence in older inpatients. · Explore integration of UCLA-3 into geriatric care pathways. Methods A cross-sectional study of 50 randomly selected patients, aged 65 and over on geriatric wards at MMH, between, 1st to 31st of May 2025 was conducted. The data which included UCLA-3 scores, completion time, demographics, and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) status was collected by the resident doctors. Results Of the 50 participants, 41/50 (82%) completed the UCLA-3 in under 5 minutes, 7/50 (14%) between 5–15 minutes and 1/50(2%) took more than 15 minutes. 1/50(2%) patient’s questionnaire completion time was not recorded. · Moderate to severe frailty (CFS scores 6–9) was observed in 24/50 (48%) of the screened patients. · Loneliness (UCLA score 6–9) was identified in 16/50 (32%), while 34/40 (68%) were classified as not lonely (UCLA score 3–5). · Among those identified as lonely, 8/16 (50%) were moderate to severely frail. Conclusion The UCLA-3 is a quick, practical and reliable bedside screening tool for early detection of loneliness, which among frail older adults may be a modifiable risk factor. Recommendations: · Screen all elderly patients for loneliness due to high prevalence. · Incorporate UCLA-3 scoring routinely into Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments and discuss high UCLA-3 (score 6–9) during MDT meetings. · Refer all lonely individuals to NHS loneliness support and involve local charities for additional help.

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