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Established Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by previous studies that are consistent with the objectives of the activities.
RELEASE DATE:
Summary Report/Recommendations
Researchers conducted a series of interviews with administrators from 40 different nursing homes across the US between July 2020 and December 2021 to better understand their experiences amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviewees described the adverse effects of the pandemic on the physical and mental health of the residents in their facilities as restrictions around visitation, socializing, and communal dining created isolating, inactive conditions. Administrators also expressed concerns for the longevity of the nursing home industry in the wake of the pandemic and resulting reductions in revenue and pervasive negative perceptions of nursing homes in the media.
Established Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by previous studies that are consistent with the objectives of the activities.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This study assessed differences in COVID-19 cases and mortality rates in traditional nursing homes and Green Houses. Green Houses are smaller, more intimate residential living environments that promote personalized care and more tight-knit communities of residents and care givers. Using CMS data, researchers found that, adjusting for age, gender, and disability status, small and large nursing homes had higher COVID-19 cases and mortality rates compared to Green Houses.
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
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.
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
To make sure we’re accurately understanding people’s health, we need to use the same measuring tools in the same way for everyone, no matter who they are. In this study, Cintron and their team checked if a widely used depression test, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), works the same for different groups of people based on their age, gender, education, and race. They found that in about 24% of the cases, the test worked a little differently for these different groups. However, this is just slightly below the 25% limit we usually use to decide if the test is working the same for everyone. So, in general, the PHQ-8 seems to measure depression in a similar way for all the groups they studied. To make sure we’re treating everyone fairly when collecting health data, we should do similar research for other common tests and questionnaires to see if they work the same for different groups of people.
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 highlights the successful implementation of a pediatric pharmacy team’s strategic plan during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan, titled “Vision 2020,” aimed to enhance team cohesion, accountability, and service quality. Despite pandemic challenges, the team achieved numerous goals and objectives through effective data gathering, buy-in from management, and progress tracking. The article emphasizes the importance of team-level strategic planning for clinical service lines.
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
US public health laboratories (PHLs) faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including operational difficulties, high testing demand, federal mismanagement, material shortages, outdated information systems, workforce issues, and inadequate funding. Clear mandates, improved leadership support, streamlined processes, effective partnerships, robust supply chain management, upgraded systems, enhanced workforce strategies, and adequate funding are crucial for future 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.
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.
RELEASE DATE:
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
A 9-week social media campain promoting COVID-19 prevention to mothers of teen daughters was found to increase exposure to credible online information online. This campaign effectively used an epidemiological model for monitoring, diagnosing, and responding to misinformaiton from mothers on COVID-19.
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
Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the diversion of resources, attention, and efforts away from other critical public health issues. This diversion has led to missed opportunities and negative consequences for various public health domains, such as chronic disease prevention, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and environmental health. This article suggests the need for a comprehensive approach that balances the response to COVID-19 with the maintenance and resumption of other essential public health activities. It calls for increased investment in public health infrastructure, workforce capacity, and policy frameworks to mitigate the opportunity costs and ensure a more resilient and equitable public health system in the future.