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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.
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.
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 assessed the impacts of the pandemic on health-related and economic factors of rural well-being in Western states. Findings suggest severe impacts on employment, life satisfaction, mental health, and economic outlook across all ages, ethnicity, education levels, and sex. The authors encourage readers to use these findings as a catalyst to larger interdiscplinary COVID-19 research that integrates rural considerations in decision-making.
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 qualitative study conducted in urban areas of northern and southern China examined how digital detection surveillance for infectious diseases was perceived and experienced by primary care physicians and patients; the findings discuss important ethical considerations for ensuring patient autonomy and rights when digital detection surveillance is used.
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 emphasizes the importance of funding primary care, providing direct evidence on the benefits of utilizing primary care-oriented systems to achieve better health outcomes.
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.
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 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.