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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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Journal
This editorial from The Lancet Respiratory Medicine discusses the growing public health crisis of Long COVID. It highlights that over 65 million people worldwide are estimated to have post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, and there is an urgent need for preventive, rehabilitative, and therapeutic strategies to address this issue. The article emphasizes the importance of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in reducing the risk of Long COVID and mentions the potential benefits of early outpatient treatment in preventing it. However, challenges remain in defining Long COVID, diagnosing it reliably, and understanding its causes and mechanisms. The article calls for large-scale research initiatives to explore these aspects, identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and develop targeted interventions. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the needs of vulnerable populations and providing patient-centered care for Long COVID.
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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Press Release
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced the establishment of the Office of Long COVID Research and Practice to address the long-term effects of COVID-19. This office will coordinate the government’s response to Long COVID, including associated conditions and the implementation of a National Research Action Plan. Over 14 federal departments and divisions are working together to reduce the impact of Long COVID and improve the quality of life for those affected. Additionally, the National Institutes of Health has launched the RECOVER Initiative, a $1.15 billion research program focused on understanding, treating, and preventing Long COVID. The initiative involves large-scale studies and clinical trials to develop interventions for the condition.
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.
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.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
The article explores how long COVID is influenced by social determinants like poverty and structural inequalities such as racism. It emphasizes the role of primary care in providing and coordinating care for vulnerable patients. Policy measures like strengthening primary care and addressing barriers faced by vulnerable populations are recommended. High-quality data collection and addressing social determinants of health are also highlighted.
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 practice traces a 14-year partnership between health institutions and a rural Native Hawaiian community. The partnership began as a single study to study familial cardiomyopathy, then evolved towards a community-based project to improve overall health and wellbeing. As time went on, other institutions and community leaders became involved. The article focuses on the growth of institutional capacity and community service. Lessons learned can serve to engage communities in COVID-19 prevention and mitigation measures.
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 authors identify strategies and approaches for creating culturally resonant health promotion interventions in partnership with Native communities, drawing on lessons learned from five community-based Native health intervention studies. The practice strategy this article is focused on is community-based, culturally resonant health promotion. Adaption of these strategies will be required for interventions specific to COVID-19 mitigation.
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 practice details the use of a classroom based, culturally grounded curriculum to prevent substance use among rural Hawaiian youth. Youth were exposed to the curriculum over a period of 2 years, and although substance use increased among control and intervention groups, the intervention group had significantly smaller increases. The curriculum focuses on resistance skills training for middle school aged youth, using video vignettes of Hawaiian youth engaged in realistic drug-related problem situations. Similar approaches could prove useful when informing Hawaiian youth about COVID-19 mitigation strategies.