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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.
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 article discusses an academic-health department community partnership that was developed to expand disease investigation and contact tracing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership involved a local county health department and a local university, which collaborated to address the lack of workforce capacity and technology needed for efficient disease control measures. The program added 108 contact tracers to the county’s public health workforce and enabled remote work using a call center app and secure cloud-based platform. The article outlines the requirements for developing the program, such as hiring, health data security protocols, and data source management, and shares lessons learned from the partnership. The innovative program improved disease investigation and contact tracing efforts, allowing for better control of the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
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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White Paper/Brief
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is encouraging higher vaccination rates at nursing homes. Vaccinations are required to be offered at nursing homes, yet the overall vaccination rate is below 50%. The article provides recommendations for ways nursing homes can increase vaccinations by education, communication with residents and their families, and creating action plans for individual residents. It stresses the importance of keeping treatment medications at nursing facilities.
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
Mask mandates in states beginning in 2020 had a significant impact on COVID-19-related hospitalizations. This study recommends revisiting mask mandates as new variants of COVID-19 spread and pressures return to the healthcare system.
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:
Summary Report/Recommendations
A recommendations report for advancing health equity in the Massachusetts Legislature. Especially as the state continues response to and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the report ultimately emphasizes the necessity of an equity lens in decision-making. Its guiding principles also include the need for the community to be a partner and have a voice in government decision-making, the need for complete and actionable data, and the acknowledgement that returning to the pre-pandemic “normal” is not an option when attempting to alleviate the disparities created by that “normal”. The report outlines immediate, intermediate, and long term actions towards health equity on a policy level. These recommendations impact healthcare, social determinants of health, governance, and more.
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:
Summary Report/Recommendations, White Paper/Brief
Document presents practical strategies for caring for persons living with dementia during emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes (but is not limited to) giving reminders around habits to prevent illness, ensuring person-centered care, and continuing connections with family and friends.
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.
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
Document outlines the strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion plan for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Emphasizes the need for staff that reflects the diversity of communities served. Provides practical goals and strategies for 2021-2023.
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
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.
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 article describes testing efforts in Georgia’s long-term care facilities and the impact that preventative routine screening had on COVID-19 cases among residents/staff. Facilities that had regular preventative testing rather than testing only after learning of a confirmed case had a lower initial prevalence of COVID-19 and fewer subsequent cases.