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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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Summary Report/Recommendations
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, and Tufts Health Plan Foundation partnered with FSG to conduct interviews and secondary research of COVID-19 lessons and recommendations framed for three key audiences: organizations, partnerships and collaborations, and funders and policymakers. This research was conducted in six communities in Massachusetts, and identifies key themes and strategies to lift up based on real-world activities implemented during the pandemic. Findings emphasize the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on older adults across a broad range of social, economic, and health factors, and effective strategies for supporting older adults are outlined such as direct communication and flexible services. Gaps are also identified across each of the findings, indicating where there is room for improvement and community strengthening. Lessons and recommendations are also clearly outlined by audience, with clear suggestions for implementing effective strategies to support older populations in various community settings.
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 article describes structural barriers contributing to inequitable health outcomes for people living with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides policy recommendations (based on Canadian examples) to address structural barriers that exacerbated the effects of the pandemic on people living with dementia.
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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Peer Review Study, Summary Report/Recommendations
Article outlines how an opioid treatment program in the Bronx, NY adjusted their clinical practice with COVID-19 and their recommendations for treatment programs going forward. Balancing Covid-19 safety and the need to safely administer medications for opioid use disorder, this program ultimately made changes that allowed for more patient-driven treatment plans that enable fewer in person clinic visits. The article advocates for patient-centered care that encourages people to safely self-manage medication, focusing on patient-centered measures in clinical decision-making, and making appropriate changes to payment/insurance models that allow for such patient-centered care.
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
In this project, RAND Corporation researchers identified existing health equity measurement approaches that might fit with Medicare’s VBP programs, quality reporting efforts, and confidential reports. The project had two objectives: identify health equity measurement approaches, and decide which of these approaches merit consideration for inclusion in Medicare’s VBP programs, quality reporting efforts, and confidential reports. This report describes the methods and findings of the project and delineates potential first steps for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to consider as it continues to evaluate the prospect of incorporating health equity measures and domains in Medicare’s VBP and reporting programs.
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.
RELEASE DATE:
Summary Report/Recommendations
This resources summarizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use and the experiences of people who used drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights include: the pandemic increased the risk of overdose for people who use drugs, and in response people who use drugs reported using more harm reduction strategies. The pandemic also motivated change in wanting to quit drug use for study participants, but also highlighted the social determinants of health as barriers to sustainable recovery.
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.
RELEASE DATE:
Summary Report/Recommendations
This commentary describes racial disparities in access to medication assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) and how pandemic-related changes in access to MAT may exacerbate these disparities. The author also provides specific recommendations, including actions that can be taken by local health departments to reduce race-based inequities in access to MAT during the pandemic.
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
This article discusses the negative health impacts of isolation in older populations, while realizing the dangers of COVID-19 exposure with in-person interactions. Isolation and social support indexes, such as the Duke Social Support Index, are outlined as possible tools to create awareness of individuals’ risks. Additionally, some possible interventions to help address isolation, such as interventions like PEARLS, which is designed to increase social support and decrease isolation and loneliness.
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 focuses on post-pandemic treatment for individuals with substance use disorder. Specifically, this article identifies seven pillars to improve treatment for individuals with substance use disorders in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) telemedicine and digital solutions, (2) hospitalization at home, (3) consultation-liaison psychiatric and addiction services, (4) harm-reduction facilities, (5) person-centered care, (6) promote paid work to improve quality of life in people with substance use disorders, and (7) integrated addiction care. The three “best buys” of the World Health Organization (reduce availability, increase prices, and a ban on advertising) are still valid. Additionally, new strategies must be implemented to systematically deal with (a) fake news concerning legal and illegal drugs and (b) controversial scientific information.
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