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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.
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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.
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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.
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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Peer Review Study
Challenges related to workforce capacity have existed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These shortages are especially acute and problematic for settings with high disease burdens such as nursing facilities. Strategies for expanding public health capacity within nursing homes and more broadly include increased training and retention of experienced staff.
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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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:
Peer Review Study
This study looks at a COVID-19 outbreak among a multi-residential home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Arizona to determine how COVID-19 was spread. Epidemiologic and genomic evidence show that spread likely occurred from asymptomatically infected staff. This study demonstrates the need for public health measures and rapid genomic analysis to shape policies that protect these vulnerable 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
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health partnered with congregate living facilities to try to prevent and mitigate Covid outbreaks. The Board partnered with community partners, facility staff, state health officials, and other health care professionals and organized structured team meetings to identify and respond to cases in congregate living facilities. This partnership worked together to plan testing, contract tracing, and isolation/quarantine protocols. The department also hired a resource manager who coordinated all response efforts. For high need congregate living facilities, the resource manager/partners assisted with PPE needs.
Novel Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and are in the process of generating evidence of effectiveness or may not yet be tested.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
This report highlights COVID-19 responses that benefit dually eligible individuals, including effective communication, supporting community members/caregivers, residential care facilities, and care transitions.
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 practice describes a Three-Phase Approach to mitigating COVID-19 in long-term and post-acute care nursing facilities in the Seattle, WA area. The authors outline a structure for addressing the pandemic based on disease surveillance measures, with different focus areas within each phase. Measures include:
(1) Initial: Communication, tracking, PPE preparation
(2) Delayed: Education, testing, isolation
(3) Surge: Activation of a “drop team”” of health care professionals during an outbreak