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Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has taken significant steps to address the long-term effects of COVID-19, known as “Long COVID.” These actions include establishing advisory committees, forming offices dedicated to Long COVID research and practice, and providing technical guidance for evaluating disabilities related to Long COVID. HHS has also delivered comprehensive reports to the President outlining support services and research strategies. These efforts, in collaboration with various federal agencies, aim to assist individuals in living independently and participating in their communities while dealing with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Numerous resources, such as guides, civil rights protections, and workplace accommodations, have been made available to support those affected by Long COVID.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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Other
The article discusses the challenges and frustrations surrounding Long COVID research in the United States. Despite substantial investments and numerous research efforts, progress in understanding and treating Long COVID has been slow and disappointing. Experts and patient advocates have criticized the research community for its focus on disease development rather than direct patient care, duplication of studies, and a lack of clinical trials. The authors propose a new hypothesis that Long COVID may be a form of post-infectious syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting that traditional biomedical research approaches may not yield meaningful results. Instead, they advocate for a shift towards health services research and measures that directly impact patients’ welfare, including prevention, improved prognosis, access to empathetic care, and quality of life issues. They emphasize the need for collaboration between researchers, patients, and advocacy groups to reset the research agenda effectively.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
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Peer Review Study
The study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assessed high-throughput COVID-19 vaccination sites in the United States, including Puerto Rico, to identify promising practices for their implementation. Through site observations and staff interviews, they conducted 134 assessments in multiple states, highlighting practices related to health equity, partnerships, site design, visual communication, quick response codes, and risk management. These findings can aid in the planning and execution of future vaccination operations for COVID-19, influenza, and other vaccine-preventable diseases, offering valuable insights to vaccination planners and providers for strengthening their site plans and implementation strategies.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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White Paper/Brief
The article highlights the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and their influence on preparations for future public health emergencies. While the federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 is set to end in May 2023, the FDA emphasizes the continued importance of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. Addressing misinformation and strengthening supply chain resilience are key priorities, and the FDA is developing more efficient inspection planning systems. Modernizing FDA authorities and maintaining a commitment to planning for the future are also emphasized to enhance national security and public health preparedness.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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White Paper/Brief
Director of the Health Equity Core at Harvard Medical School, Professor Sprague Martinez has organized a team of partners to identify the impact of long COVID on Black and Latinx communities in Massachusetts and barriers they experience in accessing treatment. The project is part of the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, which aims to address the challenges of COVID-19 and future pandemics. The Health Equity Core focuses on understanding the impact of long COVID on diverse communities, increasing access to treatment and resources, and influencing relevant policies. The team includes partners from various institutions and will emphasize community engagement, data collection, dissemination, and policy advocacy efforts.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
Strategic plans are key for helping local health departments understand where they are headed and how to get there. The National Association of County & City Health Officials (NACCHO) created this step-by-step local public health strategic planning guide. It explains the importance of strategic planning, identifies key stakeholders who should be involved, and provides an overview of the planning process. It also includes practical tips on conducting a community needs assessment, setting goals and objectives, and developing action plans. The guide emphasizes the importance of engaging the community, evaluating progress, and adapting the plan over time to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
The article discusses a World Health Organization (WHO) Special Initiative focused on reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Initiative aims to develop models and practices that can be adopted by WHO offices and UN staff to advance health equity. The article notes the importance of addressing structural determinants of health equity, such as institutional rules, policies, culture, and values, and highlights the need for multisectoral action. The Initiative focuses on strengthening knowledge and narratives, promoting action in Pathfinder countries, and enhancing networks of policy champions, academics, health workers, and communities. The strategic actions include strengthening knowledge, supporting community participation, and promoting collaboration for addressing structural determinants of health equity. Themes for action include as reducing precariousness in informal economy employment, improving income and food security, ensuring adequate housing and social services, and guaranteeing employment and sick leave.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Summary Report/Recommendations
This commentary discusses the importance of inclusive health systems strengthening in promoting equity during health emergencies, using the example of disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the increased risks faced by persons with disabilities during the pandemic and the barriers they encounter in accessing healthcare. It emphasizes the need for accessible and comprehensive health emergency preparedness and response plans that consider the needs of persons with disabilities. It also explores strategies for disability inclusion in COVID-19 responses, such as producing accessible public health information and involving organizations of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Opportunities to strengthen inclusion and equity in COVID-19 responses include equitable access to telehealth and inclusive decision-making processes.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
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Peer Review Study
The Community Outreach Specialist (COS) program aimed to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among rural communities through targeted outreach efforts. The program trained and deployed community outreach specialists who engaged with community members, provided education about COVID-19 and vaccination, addressed concerns and misconceptions, and facilitated access to vaccination services. The COS program in reaching and engaging with socially vulnerable and medically underserved populations, successfully increasing vaccine acceptance and uptake in these communities by building trust, addressing barriers to vaccination, and tailoring outreach strategies to the local context. The article discusses the importance of community-based approaches, cultural competency, and collaboration with local organizations and leaders in achieving successful vaccine outreach. It also emphasizes the need for sustained efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccination and to address disparities in vaccine uptake among different populations.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
COVID-19 caused significant disruptions to routine vaccination efforts worldwide. Several factors contributed to these disruptions, including reduced healthcare access, fear of infection, and diversion of healthcare resources towards COVID-19 response. These led to a decline in immunization rates, leaving populations vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing these collateral impacts and implementing strategies to mitigate the negative consequences. It suggests various approaches such as ensuring vaccine supply chains, enhancing public trust in vaccines, and implementing catch-up vaccination campaigns. The authors stress the need for collaborative efforts between public health agencies, healthcare providers, and communities to restore and maintain routine immunization services amidst the ongoing pandemic.