Featured Research Faculty: Laurie Theeke

What research are you working on now?

We are studying how loneliness is related to wound healing in people with chronic venous leg ulcers. We hypothesize that heightened inflammation is a common molecular mechanism with a distinct profile that underlies loneliness and poor wound healing when compared to non-lonely people with wounds. We collect data via surveys, physical measures, and with blood sampling.  We are also studying loneliness in people who return home from long term care using surveys from participants and caregivers and collecting physical measures using remote equipment placed in the homes.

Why is this work important?

There is a need to examine how psychosocial and biological mechanisms interact to influence wound healing. It is also crucial that we learn if loneliness and isolation are influencing function when people return home.

What are the potential policy implications of your work?

These studies have the potential to influence policies on care of those with chronic illness and for those returning home from long term care. The results could increase public awareness regarding social isolation and loneliness, inform policies for social services and support recommendations for screening and treatment for loneliness in health systems, and be used to inform telehealth policies for use to support lonely or isolated people.