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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.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
The researchers tested the effectiveness of “Go Viral!”, a 5-minute online game designed to improve players’ ability to spot COVID-19-related misinformation, in comparison to a passive “prebunking” intervention (UNESCO infographics) and to a control group. The authors found that “Go Viral!” improves players’ ability to spot misinformation, as well as their confidence in their ability to spot misinformation. This effect remains at least one week after playing the game. While the UNESCO infographics also improved viewers’ ability to spot misinformation and their confidence in their ability to spot misinformation, the effect size for “Go Viral!” was larger, and the players reported being more likely to share “Go Viral!” with their networks on social media compared with the group that viewed the graphics. While the results are promising, there are several limitations. The study did not include an explicit equity focus and the game is not accessible to individuals without internet.
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
This guidance was developed by the World Health Organization and outlines various public health measures that can be implemented to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19. Some of the measures outlined include personal protective practices, physical distancing in various situations, and special protective measures for at-risk populations. Policies at the community level are also identified to protect access to food and water, protect the economy, and maintain essential health services functioning.
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
This article presents the results of a non-randomized cohort study comparing opioid agonist therapy (medication assisted treatment [MAT]) for opioid use disorder received via telemedicine, in-person, or a mix of telemedicine and in-person visits. The study was conducted between January 2011 and June 2012 in Ontario, Canada. The telemedicine group had the highest one-year treatment retention rate, followed by the mixed group, and the in-person group had the lowest one-year treatment retention rate. The results suggest telemedicine could be an effective means of increasing access to MAT for opioid use disorder. It should be noted that the study was conducted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and replicability will vary based on local resources and MAT regulations.
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:
Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis
This article presents the results of a rapid review of community engagement strategies used in response to three recent epidemics, Ebola, Zika, and H1N1. The review included 32 studies representing 37 initiatives as well as 11 guideline articles, included for reference and context purposes. Facilitators and barriers to implementing equitable community interventions are described, in addition to best practices and a discussion of how prior lessons learned can be implemented for COVID-19.
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
The intervention outlined in this study took place at a hospital in Italy, and was designed to reduce or prevent provider burnout during the onset of the pandemic. The intervention included having six psychologists always present in the clinical setting to provide on-site as needed services to physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff. A PTSD short scale survey was also conducted to better understand the mental health needs of the providers in the hospital (such as psychosis, sleep problems, mania, suicidal ideation, and more). Providers noting mild to moderate symptoms were offered up to five sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist.
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:
Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis
This is a list of recommendations based on a review of the literature focusing on promoting health equity in the delivery of virtual care. The authors conducted a narrative review of literature on health equity and virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic published in 2020, describing strategies that have been proposed in the literature at three levels: (1) policy and government, (2) organizations and health systems, and (3) communities and patients. They discuss three strategies for promoting health equity through virtual care: (1) simplifying complex interfaces and workflows, (2) using supportive intermediaries, and (3) creating mechanisms through which marginalized community members can provide immediate input into the planning and delivery of virtual care.
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:
Summary Report/Recommendations
This article focuses on post-pandemic treatment for individuals with substance use disorder. Specifically, this article identifies seven pillars to improve treatment for individuals with substance use disorders in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) telemedicine and digital solutions, (2) hospitalization at home, (3) consultation-liaison psychiatric and addiction services, (4) harm-reduction facilities, (5) person-centered care, (6) promote paid work to improve quality of life in people with substance use disorders, and (7) integrated addiction care. The three “best buys” of the World Health Organization (reduce availability, increase prices, and a ban on advertising) are still valid. Additionally, new strategies must be implemented to systematically deal with (a) fake news concerning legal and illegal drugs and (b) controversial scientific information.
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
This is a rapid review of peer-reviewed and grey literature summarizing guidance for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in custodial settings in the first six months of 2020. The review summarizes global recommendations across 19 domains including: preparedness; physical environments; case identification, screening, and management; communication; external access and visitation; psychological and emotional support; recreation, legal, and health service adaptation; decarceration; release and community reintegration; workforce logistics; surveillance and information sharing; independent monitoring; compensatory measures; lifting control measures; evaluation; and key populations/ settings. The authors also identify a few conflicting recommendations.
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:
Case Study
This process overview summarizes the approach taken by the Alberta Health Services Design Lab to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19 among meat plant employees, who are largely immigrants. They implemented a vaccine clinic at processing plants to support vaccination and provide culturally relevant health information.
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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Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis
This article was a literature review and meta-analysis on the evidence for prevention strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19 and other coronaviruses, such as the ones that cause SARS and MERS. The review included data from 172 studies in 16 countries to identify evidence-based preventive strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of using face masks, eye protection, physical distancing, and contact tracing.