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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
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of individuals reporting Long COVID symptoms has decreased from 19% in June 2022 to 11% in January 2023 among those who have had COVID-19. While this decline is notable, 15% of all US adults have reported experiencing Long COVID symptoms at some point, with 6% currently affected. Long COVID continues to pose challenges, including limitations in daily activities for 79% of those affected and potential long-term disabilities. Efforts to address Long COVID include research initiatives and public health actions, but its full impact and the reasons behind the decline in reported cases remain subjects of ongoing study and concern.
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.
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
This report offers recommendations for the care of pregnant women and children following the COVID-19 pandemic. It analyzes health impacts on pregnant women and young children, including those related to health care and childcare, using a socioecological approach. Recommendations include expanding reimbursement and telemedicine access, making childcare accessible and affordable, and integrating equity considerations into data collection and research.
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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Evaluation Report, Peer Review Study
The article evaluates the connection between health care workers’ unions and Covid-19 mortality rates in nursing homes. Using regression analysis, the presence of a union were associated with lower Covid-19 mortality rates (30% lower) and infection rates (42% lower) among nursing home residents. Nursing homes with unions saw increased access to N95 respirators and eye shields as well. These results ultimately show that health care worker unionization may better ensure access to appropriate PPE and infection control policies that will protect nursing home residents.
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.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of postpartum depression and to summarize risk factors for postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of eight studies during the COVID-19 pandemic were included, and most studies were conducted in developed countries. The research findings indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic could detrimentally impact maternal mental well-being among women after childbirth. Investigating the prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depression among women could shed some light on their mental and emotional states; so that support measures and tailored interventions from health professionals and policymakers could be offered to improve maternal and infant outcomes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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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Commentary
This articles discusses the need for policy that promotes equitable access to holistic support in pregnancy care to address racial disparities in maternal care. The authors outline recommendations to increase access to medical care and social support for pregnant patients, particularly for the most vulnerable.
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.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This article conducted a cross-sectional study of 351 Massachusetts cities and towns from January 1-May 6, 2020, to understand what demographic, economic, and occupational factors are affecting COVID-19 incidence rates. Results found that non-Latino Black and Latino populations are at most risk of contracting COVID-19. Addressing factors like healthcare access for foreign-born non-citizens, crowded housing, and the protection of food service workers may help mitigate spread among minority populations.
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.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This paper analyzes the policy components that contribute to the programmatic success of flu and Tdap pregnancy vaccine programs in three high-income countries, including the United States. Key pillars to increased vaccination coverage include Health Authority accountability, facilitated patient access to vaccination, healthcare professional accountability and engagement, awareness of the burden and severity of diseases, and finally, belief in the benefits of pregnancy vaccination. In the US, given the higher diversity of stakeholders, a multi-stakeholder approach with calls to action from the CDC and endorsement from other scientific societies were key to uptake of vaccinations in pregnancy. It is recommended that maternal task forces reinforce these messages, disseminate toolkits, and that partners address barriers that stand in the way of vaccination, including ensuring that vaccination clinics are convenient for pregnant woman. Successful programs do not require implementation of all components; instead, public health experts should use these as components as guiding tools that can be refined depending on the specificities of the healthcare system in place.
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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Case Study
This report collects the strategies that urban health departments used to protect residents experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness during COVID-19. Strategies included working with community partners (particularly shelters) to expand housing, increasing outreach and resource allocation to people experiencing homelessness, and building better communication networks.
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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Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis
A review of best practices for COVID-19 infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities. These included establishing surveillance measures, revising staffing and visitor policies, and clearly communicating health measures and case numbers. The authors highlight the need for additional support and resources for long-term care facilities to address the pandemic over time. The article also provides updated guidelines for rapid situation analyses.