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Dam D, Chen M, Rees EE, Cheng B, Sukkarieh L, McGill E, Tehami Y, Bellos A, Edwin J, Patterson K. Risk factors associated with the intensity of COVID-19 outbreaks in Canadian community settings: a retrospective analysis of outbreak-level surveillance data. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2409. [PMID: 39232726 PMCID: PMC11375942 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The severity of COVID-19 outbreaks is disproportionate across settings (e.g., long-term care facilities (LTCF), schools) across Canada. Few studies have examined factors associated with outbreak severity to inform prevention and response. Our study objective was to assess how outbreak severity, as measured using outbreak intensity and defined as number of outbreak-associated cases divided by outbreak duration, differed by setting and factors known to influence SARS-CoV-2 transmission. METHODS We described outbreak intensity trends in 2021 using data from the Canadian COVID-19 Outbreak Surveillance System from seven provinces/territories, representing 93% of the Canadian population. A negative binomial fixed-effects model was used to assess for associations between the outcome, outbreak intensity, and characteristics of outbreaks: setting type, median age of cases, number at risk, and vaccination coverage of at least 1 dose. Also included were variables previously reported to influence SARS-CoV-2 transmission: stringency of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) and the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant detected by surveillance. RESULTS The longest outbreaks occurred in LTCF (mean = 25.4 days) and correctional facilities (mean = 20.6 days) which also reported the largest outbreaks (mean = 29.6 cases per outbreak). Model results indicated that outbreak intensity was highest in correctional facilities. Relative to correctional facilities (referent), the second highest adjusted intensity ratio was in childcare centres (intensity ratio = 0.58 [95% CI: 0.51-0.66]), followed by LTCF (0.56 [95% CI: 0.51-0.66]). Schools had the lowest adjusted intensity ratio (0.46 [95% CI: 0.40-0.53]) despite having the highest proportion of outbreaks (37.5%). An increase in outbreak intensity was associated with increases in median age, the number at risk, and stringency of NPI. Greater vaccination coverage with at least 1 dose was associated with reduced outbreak intensity. CONCLUSION Descriptive and multivariable model results indicated that in Canada during 2021, outbreak intensity was greatest in closed congregate living facilities: correctional facilities and LTCF. Findings from this study support the importance of vaccination in reducing outbreak intensity when vaccines are effective against infection with circulating variants, which is especially important for closed congregate living facilities where NPIs are more challenging to implement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demy Dam
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Michelle Chen
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Erin E Rees
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
- Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique (GREZOSP), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Bethany Cheng
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Lynn Sukkarieh
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Erin McGill
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Yasmina Tehami
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Anna Bellos
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Jonathan Edwin
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Patterson
- Centre for Emerging and Respiratory Infections and Pandemic Preparedness, Infectious Diseases and Vaccination Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, 130 Colonnade Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
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Zachreson C, Tobin R, Walker C, Conway E, Shearer FM, McVernon J, Geard N. A model-based assessment of social isolation practices for COVID-19 outbreak response in residential care facilities. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:880. [PMID: 39210276 PMCID: PMC11360480 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09788-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential aged-care facilities (RACFs, also called long-term care facilities, aged care homes, or nursing homes) have elevated risks of respiratory infection outbreaks and associated disease burden. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation policies were commonly used in these facilities to prevent and mitigate outbreaks. We refer specifically to general isolation policies that were intended to reduce contact between residents, without regard to confirmed infection status. Such policies are controversial because of their association with adverse mental and physical health indicators and there is a lack of modelling that assesses their effectiveness. METHODS In consultation with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, we developed an agent-based model of COVID-19 transmission in a structured population, intended to represent the salient characteristics of a residential care environment. Using our model, we generated stochastic ensembles of simulated outbreaks and compared summary statistics of outbreaks simulated under different mitigation conditions. Our study focuses on the marginal impact of general isolation (reducing social contact between residents), regardless of confirmed infection. For a realistic assessment, our model included other generic interventions consistent with the Australian Government's recommendations released during the COVID-19 pandemic: isolation of confirmed resident cases, furlough (mandatory paid leave) of staff members with confirmed infection, and deployment of personal protective equipment (PPE) after outbreak declaration. RESULTS In the absence of any asymptomatic screening, general isolation of residents to their rooms reduced median cumulative cases by approximately 27%. However, when conducted concurrently with asymptomatic screening and isolation of confirmed cases, general isolation reduced the median number of cumulative infections by only 12% in our simulations. CONCLUSIONS Under realistic sets of assumptions, our simulations showed that general isolation of residents did not provide substantial benefits beyond those achieved through screening, isolation of confirmed cases, and deployment of PPE. Our results also highlight the importance of effective case isolation, and indicate that asymptomatic screening of residents and staff may be warranted, especially if importation risk from the outside community is high. Our conclusions are sensitive to assumptions about the proportion of total contacts in a facility accounted for by casual interactions between residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Zachreson
- School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ruarai Tobin
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Camelia Walker
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eamon Conway
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Freya M Shearer
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jodie McVernon
- Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory Epidemiology Unit, The Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicholas Geard
- School of Computing and Information Systems, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Tchouaket EN, Kruglova K, Létourneau J, Bélanger E, Robins S, Jubinville M, El-Mousawi F, Shen S, Beogo I, Sia D. Factors influencing long-term care facility performance during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:901. [PMID: 39113065 PMCID: PMC11304669 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11331-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on long-term care facilities (LTCFs). Some LTCFs performed better than others at slowing COVID-19 transmission. Emerging literature has mostly described infection prevention and control strategies implemented by LTCFs during the pandemic. However, there is a need for a comprehensive review of factors that influenced the performance of LTCFs in containing COVID-19 spread to inform public health policy. OBJECTIVE To build on the existing literature, we conducted a scoping review of factors that influenced LTCF performance during the COVID-19 pandemic using a multidimensional conceptual framework of performance. METHODS We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews. We queried CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ovid), CAIRN, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed literature in English or French published between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2021. Retrieved records were screened for context (COVID-19 pandemic), population (LTCFs), interest (internal and external factors that influenced LTCF performance), and outcomes (dimensions of performance: equity, accessibility, reactivity, safety, continuity, efficacy, viability, efficiency). Descriptive characteristics of included articles were summarized. Dimensions of performance as well as internal (e.g., facility characteristics) and external (e.g., visitors) factors identified to have influenced LTCF performance were presented. RESULTS We retained 140 articles of which 68% were classified as research articles, 47% originated in North America, and most covered a period between March and July 2020. The most frequent dimensions of performance were "efficacy" (75.7%) and "safety" (75.7%). The most common internal factors were "organizational context" (72.9%) and "human resources" (62.1%), and the most common external factors were "visitors" (27.1%) and "public health guidelines" (25.7%). CONCLUSIONS Our review contributes to a global interest in understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations residing and working in LTCFs. Though a myriad of factors were reported, a lack of randomized controlled trials makes it impossible to establish causality between the identified factors and LTCF performance. The use of a multidimensional framework can be recommended to evaluate healthcare system performance not merely in terms of efficacy and safety, but alongside other critical dimensions such as efficiency and equity. TRIAL REGISTRATION Research Registry ID: researchregistry7026.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Nguemeleu Tchouaket
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada.
| | - Katya Kruglova
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Josiane Létourneau
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Emilie Bélanger
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Stephanie Robins
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Maripier Jubinville
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Fatima El-Mousawi
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada
| | - Shiyang Shen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, QC, H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Idrissa Beogo
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 200 Lees Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Drissa Sia
- Department of Nursing, Université du Québec en Outaouais, St-Jérôme Campus, 5, rue Saint-Joseph, Office J-2204, Saint-Jérôme, QC, J7Z 0B7, Canada
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Singh M, DeVone F, Bayer T, Abul Y, Garbin A, Leeder C, Halladay C, McConeghy KW, Gravenstein S, Rudolph JL. Wandering Behavior and SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Veterans Affairs Community Living Center Residents. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:105101. [PMID: 38906176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Wandering behavior in nursing home (NH) residents could increase risk of infection. The objective of this study was to assess the association of wandering behavior with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Living Center (CLC) residents. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Veterans residing in 133 VA CLCs. METHODS We included residents with SARS-CoV-2 test from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 from VA electronic medical records. We identified CLC residents with wandering on Minimum Data Set 3.0 assessments and compared them with residents without wandering. The outcome was SARS-CoV-2 infection, as tested for surveillance testing, in those with and without wandering. Generalized linear model with Poisson link adjusted for relevant covariates was used. RESULTS Residents (n = 9995) were included in the analytic cohort mean, (SD) age 73.4 (10.7); 388 (3.9%) women. The mean (SD) activities of daily living score in the overall cohort was 13.6 (8.25). Wandering was noted in 379 (3.8%) (n = 379) of the cohort. The exposure groups differed in prior dementia (92.6% vs 62.1%, standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.8) and psychoses (41.4% vs 28.1%, SMD = 0.3). Overall, 12.5% (n = 1248) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and more residents among the wandering group were SARS-CoV-2 positive as compared with those in the group without wandering (19% [n = 72] vs 12.2% [n = 1176], SMD = 0.19). Adjusting for covariates, residents with wandering had 34% higher relative risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjusted relative risk, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.69). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CLC residents with wandering had a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This may inform implementation of infection control and isolation policies as NHs attempt to balance ethical concepts of resident autonomy, proportionality, equity, and utilitarianism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mriganka Singh
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Frank DeVone
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Thomas Bayer
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yasin Abul
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alexander Garbin
- VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO, USA; Physical Therapy Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ciera Leeder
- Clifton Springs Hospital, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Clifton Springs, NY, USA
| | - Chris Halladay
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kevin W McConeghy
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stefan Gravenstein
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - James L Rudolph
- Center of Innovation in Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS-COIN), Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA; VA Eastern Colorado Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Center for Gerontology and Healthcare Research, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Duverger C, Monteil C, Souyri V, Fournier S. Factors associated with extent of COVID-19 outbreaks: A prospective study in a large hospital network. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:696-700. [PMID: 38224818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has generated numerous hospital outbreaks. This study aimed to identify factors related to the extent of nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks in the largest French public health institution. METHODS An observational study was conducted from July 2020 to September 2021. Outbreaks were defined as at least 2 cases, patients and/or health care workers (HCWs), linked by time and geographic location. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for large outbreaks among nine variables: variant, medical ward, COVID-19 vaccination rate and incidence among HCWs and Paris population, number of weekly COVID-19 tests among HCWs and the positivity rate, epidemic waves. RESULTS Within 14 months, 799 outbreaks were identified: 450 small ones (≤6 cases) and 349 large ones (≥7 cases), involving 3,260 patients and 3,850 HCWs. In univariate analysis, large outbreaks were positively correlated to geriatrics wards, COVID-19 incidence, and rate of weekly positive tests among HCWs; and negatively correlated to intensive care units, variant Delta, fourth wave, vaccination rates of the Paris region's population and that of the HCWs. In multivariate analysis, factors that remained significant were the type of medical ward and the vaccination rate among HCWs. CONCLUSIONS Intensive care unit and high vaccination rates among HCWs were associated with a lower risk of large COVID-19 outbreaks, as opposed to geriatric wards, which are associated with a higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Duverger
- Central Infection Prevention and Control Team, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Catherine Monteil
- Central Infection Prevention and Control Team, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Souyri
- Central Infection Prevention and Control Team, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sandra Fournier
- Central Infection Prevention and Control Team, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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Fremont D, Roberts RL, Webber C, Clarke AE, Milani C, Isenberg SR, Bush SH, Kobewka D, Turcotte L, Howard M, Boese K, Arya A, Robert B, Sinnarajah A, Simon JE, Lau J, Qureshi D, Downar J, Tanuseputro P. Changes in End-of-Life Symptom Management Prescribing among Long-Term Care Residents during COVID-19. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:104955. [PMID: 38438112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine changes in the prescribing of end-of-life symptom management medications in long-term care (LTC) homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using routinely collected health administrative data in Ontario, Canada. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We included all individuals who died in LTC homes between January 1, 2017, and March 31, 2021. We separated the study into 2 periods: before COVID-19 (January 1, 2017, to March 17, 2020) and during COVID-19 (March 18, 2020, to March 31, 2021). METHODS For each LTC home, we measured the percentage of residents who died before and during COVID-19 who had a subcutaneous symptom management medication prescription in their last 14 days of life. We grouped LTC homes into quintiles based on their mean prescribing rates before COVID-19, and examined changes in prescribing during COVID-19 and COVID-19 outcomes across quintiles. RESULTS We captured 75,438 LTC residents who died in Ontario's 626 LTC homes during the entire study period, with 19,522 (25.9%) dying during COVID-19. The mean prescribing rate during COVID-19 ranged from 46.9% to 79.4% between the lowest and highest prescribing quintiles. During COVID-19, the mean prescribing rate in the lowest prescribing quintile increased by 9.6% compared to before COVID-19. Compared to LTC homes in the highest prescribing quintile, homes in the lowest prescribing quintile experienced the highest proportion of COVID-19 outbreaks (73.4% vs 50.0%), the largest mean outbreak intensity (0.27 vs 0.09 cases/bed), the highest mean total days with a COVID-19 outbreak (72.7 vs 24.2 days), and the greatest proportion of decedents who were transferred and died outside of LTC (22.1% vs 8.6%). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS LTC homes in Ontario had wide variations in the prescribing rates of end-of-life symptom management medications before and during COVID-19. Homes in the lower prescribing quintiles had more COVID-19 cases per bed and days spent in an outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deena Fremont
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rhiannon L Roberts
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen Webber
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna E Clarke
- ICES uOttawa, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Milani
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shirley H Bush
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Kobewka
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Luke Turcotte
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Howard
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Boese
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amit Arya
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Kensington Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benoit Robert
- Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care, Perley Health, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jessica E Simon
- Department of Oncology, Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jenny Lau
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Palliative Care, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danial Qureshi
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - James Downar
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Bruyère Research Institute, Bruyère Continuing Care, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Garner A, Preston N, Caiado CCS, Stubington E, Hanratty B, Limb J, Mason SM, Knight J. Understanding health service utilisation patterns for care home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic using routinely collected healthcare data. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:449. [PMID: 38783195 PMCID: PMC11112834 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05062-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare in care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic required a balance, providing treatment while minimising exposure risk. Policy for how residents should receive care changed rapidly throughout the pandemic. A lack of accessible data on care home residents over this time meant policy decisions were difficult to make and verify. This study investigates common patterns of healthcare utilisation for care home residents in relation to COVID-19 testing events, and associations between utilisation patterns and resident characteristics. METHODS Datasets from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust including secondary care, community care and a care home telehealth app are linked by NHS number used to define daily healthcare utilisation sequences for care home residents. We derive four 10-day sets of sequences related to Pillar 1 COVID-19 testing; before [1] and after [2] a resident's first positive test and before [3] and after [4] a resident's first test. These sequences are clustered, grouping residents with similar healthcare patterns in each set. Association of individual characteristics (e.g. health conditions such as diabetes and dementia) with healthcare patterns are investigated. RESULTS We demonstrate how routinely collected health data can be used to produce longitudinal descriptions of patient care. Clustered sequences [1,2,3,4] are produced for 3,471 care home residents tested between 01/03/2020-01/09/2021. Clusters characterised by higher levels of utilisation were significantly associated with higher prevalence of diabetes. Dementia is associated with higher levels of care after a testing event and appears to be correlated with a hospital discharge after a first test. Residents discharged from inpatient care within 10 days of their first test had the same mortality rate as those who stayed in hospital. CONCLUSION We provide longitudinal, resident-level data on care home resident healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that vulnerable residents were associated with higher levels of healthcare usage despite the additional risks. Implications of findings are limited by the challenges of routinely collected data. However, this study demonstrates the potential for further research into healthcare pathways using linked, routinely collected datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Garner
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancashire, England.
| | - Nancy Preston
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancashire, England
| | - Camila C S Caiado
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, England
| | - Emma Stubington
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancashire, England
| | - Barbara Hanratty
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, England
| | - James Limb
- County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, Darlington, England
| | - Suzanne M Mason
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
| | - Jo Knight
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancashire, England
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Poldrugovac M, Barsanti S, Pardini E, Klazinga NS, Kringos DS. Relation between pre-existing quality management measures and prevention and containment of COVID-19 outbreaks in 159 nursing homes in Tuscany: a mixed methods study. BMJ Open Qual 2024; 13:e002560. [PMID: 38688676 PMCID: PMC11086181 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2023-002560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing homes were often the focus of COVID-19 outbreaks. Many factors are known to influence the ability of a nursing home to prevent and contain a COVID-19 outbreak. The role of an organisation's quality management prior to the pandemic is not yet clear. In the Italian region of Tuscany nursing home performance indicators have been regularly collected since before the pandemic, providing the opportunity to better understand this relationship. OBJECTIVES To test if there is a difference in the results achieved by nursing homes in Tuscany on 13 quality management indicators, when grouped by severity of COVID-19 outbreaks; and to better understand how these indicators may be related to the ability to control COVID-19 outbreaks, from the perspective of nursing homes. METHODS We used a mixed methods sequential explanatory design. Based on regional and national databases, 159 nursing homes in Tuscany were divided into four groups by outbreak severity. We tested the significance of the differences between the groups with respect to 13 quality management indicators. The potential relation of these indicators to COVID-19 outbreaks was discussed with 29 managers and other nursing homes' staff through four group interviews. RESULTS The quantitative analysis showed significant differences between the groups of nursing homes for 3 of the 13 indicators. From the perspective of nursing homes, the indicators might not be good at capturing important aspects of the ability to control COVID-19 outbreaks. For example, while staffing availability is seen as essential, the staff-to-bed ratio does not capture the turn-over of staff and temporary absences due to positive COVID-19 testing of staff. CONCLUSIONS Though currently collected indicators are key for overall performance monitoring and improvement, further refinement of the set of quality management indicators is needed to clarify the relationship with nursing homes' ability to control COVID-19 outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mircha Poldrugovac
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Locatie Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Barsanti
- Management and Health Laboratory, Institute of Management, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Emiliano Pardini
- Management and Health Laboratory, Institute of Management, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy
| | - Niek S Klazinga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Locatie Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dionne S Kringos
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC Locatie Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Karimi-Dehkordi M, Hanson HM, Silvius J, Wagg A. Drivers of COVID-19 Outcomes in Long-Term Care Facilities Using Multi-Level Analysis: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:807. [PMID: 38610229 PMCID: PMC11011537 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the individual, organizational, and environmental factors which contributed to COVID-19-related outcomes in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). A systematic review was conducted to summarize and synthesize empirical studies using a multi-level analysis approach to address the identified influential factors. Five databases were searched on 23 May 2023. To be included in the review, studies had to be published in peer-reviewed journals or as grey literature containing relevant statistical data. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was employed to assess the methodological quality of each article included in this study. Of 2137 citations identified after exclusions, 99 records met the inclusion criteria. The predominant individual, organizational, and environmental factors that were most frequently found associated with the COVID-19 outbreak comprised older age, higher dependency level; lower staffing levels and lower star and subset domain ratings for the facility; and occupancy metrics and co-occurrences of outbreaks in counties and communities where the LTCFs were located, respectively. The primary individual, organizational, and environmental factors frequently linked to COVID-19-related deaths comprised age, and male sex; higher percentages of racial and ethnic minorities in LTCFs, as well as ownership types (including private, for-profit, and chain membership); and higher occupancy metrics and LTCF's size and bed capacity, respectively. Unfolding the risk factors collectively may mitigate the risk of outbreaks and pandemic-related mortality in LTCFs during future endemic and pandemics through developing and improving interventions that address those significant factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehri Karimi-Dehkordi
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Keyano College, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Heather M. Hanson
- Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.M.H.); (J.S.)
| | - James Silvius
- Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (H.M.H.); (J.S.)
| | - Adrian Wagg
- Seniors Health Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
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10
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Burton JK, McMinn M, Vaughan JE, Nightingale G, Fleuriot J, Guthrie B. Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland's care-homes from March 2020 to October 2021: national linked data cohort analysis. Age Ageing 2024; 53:afae015. [PMID: 38342752 PMCID: PMC10859243 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on long-term care residents remains of wide interest, but most analyses focus on the initial wave of infections. OBJECTIVE To examine change over time in: (i) The size, duration, classification and pattern of care-home outbreaks of COVID-19 and associated mortality and (ii) characteristics associated with an outbreak. DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort study using routinely-collected data. SETTING All adult care-homes in Scotland (1,092 homes, 41,299 places). METHODS Analysis was undertaken at care-home level, over three periods. Period (P)1 01/03/2020-31/08/2020; P2 01/09/2020-31/05/2021 and P3 01/06/2021-31/10/2021. Outcomes were the presence and characteristics of outbreaks and mortality within the care-home. Cluster analysis was used to compare the pattern of outbreaks. Logistic regression examined care-home characteristics associated with outbreaks. RESULTS In total 296 (27.1%) care-homes had one outbreak, 220 (20.1%) had two, 91 (8.3%) had three, and 68 (6.2%) had four or more. There were 1,313 outbreaks involving residents: 431 outbreaks in P1, 559 in P2 and 323 in P3. The COVID-19 mortality rate per 1,000 beds fell from 45.8 in P1, to 29.3 in P2, and 3.5 in P3. Larger care-homes were much more likely to have an outbreak, but associations between size and outbreaks were weaker in later periods. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 mitigation measures appear to have been beneficial, although the impact on residents remained severe until early 2021. Care-home residents, staff, relatives and providers are critical groups for consideration and involvement in future pandemic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kirsty Burton
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, GlasgowG31 2ER, UK
| | - Megan McMinn
- Public Health Scotland, Glasgow G2 6QE, UK
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - James E Vaughan
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
| | - Glenna Nightingale
- Nursing Studies, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
| | - Jacques Fleuriot
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
- Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Bruce Guthrie
- Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
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11
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Krutikov M, Stirrup O, Fuller C, Adams N, Azmi B, Irwin-Singer A, Sethu N, Hayward A, Altamirano H, Copas A, Shallcross L. Built Environment and SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Long-Term Care Facilities: Cross-Sectional Survey and Data Linkage. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:304-313.e11. [PMID: 38065220 PMCID: PMC11139658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the built environment in long-term care facilities (LTCF) and its association with introduction and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey with linkage to routine surveillance data. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS LTCFs in England caring for adults ≥65 years old, participating in the VIVALDI study (ISRCTN14447421) were eligible. Data were included from residents and staff. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of the LTCF built environment with linkage to routinely collected asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing and vaccination data between September 1, 2020, and March 31, 2022. We used individual and LTCF level Poisson and Negative Binomial regression models to identify risk factors for 4 outcomes: incidence rate of resident infections and outbreaks, outbreak size, and duration. We considered interactions with variant transmissibility (pre vs post Omicron dominance). RESULTS A total of 134 of 151 (88.7%) LTCFs participated in the survey, contributing data for 13,010 residents and 17,766 staff. After adjustment and stratification, outbreak incidence (measuring infection introduction) was only associated with SARS-CoV-2 incidence in the community [incidence rate ratio (IRR) for high vs low incidence, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.85-4.36]. Characteristics of the built environment were associated with transmission outcomes and differed by variant transmissibility. For resident infection incidence, factors included number of storeys (0.64; 0.43-0.97) and bedrooms (1.04; 1.02-1.06), and purpose-built vs converted buildings (1.99; 1.08-3.69). Air quality was associated with outbreak size (dry vs just right 1.46; 1.00-2.13). Funding model (0.99; 0.99-1.00), crowding (0.98; 0.96-0.99), and bedroom temperature (1.15; 1.01-1.32) were associated with outbreak duration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We describe previously undocumented diversity in LTCF built environments. LTCFs have limited opportunities to prevent SARS-CoV-2 introduction, which was only driven by community incidence. However, adjusting the built environment, for example by isolating infected residents or improving airflow, may reduce transmission, although data quality was limited by subjectivity. Identifying LTCF built environment modifications that prevent infection transmission should be a research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Krutikov
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Oliver Stirrup
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Fuller
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Natalie Adams
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Borscha Azmi
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aidan Irwin-Singer
- Surveillance Testing and Immunity, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Niyathi Sethu
- Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Hayward
- Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hector Altamirano
- Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Copas
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Shallcross
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
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12
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Evers J, Geraedts M. Impact of nursing home characteristics on COVID-19 infections among residents and staff. Am J Infect Control 2024; 52:15-20. [PMID: 37591313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excess mortality occurred in nursing homes during the SARS-CoV pandemic. This study aimed to identify risk factors for COVID-19 infection and mortality in nursing home residents and staff in Hesse, Germany. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 687 nursing homes was performed. We used t tests and logistic regressions to quantify the role of nursing homes' size, location, staff qualification, and room occupancy as potential risk factors. RESULTS The bivariate statistics show that a higher proportion of infected staff and for-profit operations were associated with an increase in infections among residents and staff, while more single rooms and registered nurses showed protective effects. Our model calculations also show that the presence of a higher ratio of registered nurses was a significant protective factor against resident infection (odds ratios [OR]: 0.969, P = .002), resident mortality (OR: 0.973, P = .006), and safeguarded staff (OR: 0.979, P = .034). In contrast, more single rooms (OR: 0.993, P = .029) were protective for residents, while increased risk factors included more beds (OR: 1.006, P = .006 for residents' infections, OR: 1.008, P < .001 for mortality) and infected staff (OR: 2.363, P < .001 for residents' infections). For staff, medium population density (OR: 2.322, P = .016) and infected residents (OR: 1.308, P < .001) were associated with elevated risk. CONCLUSIONS Preventing infection outbreaks among residents and staff is crucial to reduce mortality. Strategies include increasing single-occupancy rooms, improving staff qualifications, and targeting facilities with lower registered nurse ratios and single-occupancy rooms for inspection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Evers
- Institute for Health Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany.
| | - Max Geraedts
- Institute for Health Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany.
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13
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Craig S, Cao Y, McMahon J, Anderson T, Stark P, Brown Wilson C, Creighton L, Gonella S, Bavelaar L, Vlčková K, Mitchell G. Exploring the Holistic Needs of People Living with Cancer in Care Homes: An Integrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3166. [PMID: 38132056 PMCID: PMC10743280 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 26% of individuals residing in care homes are impacted by cancer. This underscores the importance of understanding the holistic needs of care home residents living with cancer to enhance the quality of their care. The primary objective of this integrative literature review was to consolidate the available evidence concerning the comprehensive needs of people living with cancer in care home settings, providing valuable insights into addressing their diverse needs. An integrative literature review was conducted using a systematic approach. Extensive searches were conducted in three databases, complemented by a thorough examination of grey literature and reference lists of relevant papers. The review focused on literature published between 2012 and 2022. The screening process involved two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer resolving any discrepancies. The review identified twenty research papers that met the eligibility criteria. These papers shed light on three primary themes related to the holistic needs of care home residents with cancer: physical, psychological, and end-of-life needs. Physical needs encompassed pain management, symptom control, and nutrition, while psychological needs involved social support, emotional well-being, and mental health care. End-of-life needs addressed end-of-life care and advance care planning. These themes highlight the multifaceted nature of cancer care in care homes and underscore the importance of addressing residents' holistic needs in a comprehensive and integrated manner. Improving care home education about cancer and integrating palliative and hospice services within this setting are vital for addressing the diverse needs of residents with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Craig
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.); (T.A.); (P.S.); (C.B.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Yanting Cao
- The Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200437, China;
- Stellar Care NW Ltd., Ellesmere Port CH65 1A, UK
| | - James McMahon
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.); (T.A.); (P.S.); (C.B.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Tara Anderson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.); (T.A.); (P.S.); (C.B.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Patrick Stark
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.); (T.A.); (P.S.); (C.B.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Christine Brown Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.); (T.A.); (P.S.); (C.B.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Laura Creighton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.); (T.A.); (P.S.); (C.B.W.); (L.C.)
| | - Silvia Gonella
- Direction of Health Professions, City of Health and Science University Hospital of Torino, Corso Bramante 88-90, 10126 Turin, Italy;
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Via Santena 5 bis, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Bavelaar
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gary Mitchell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.); (T.A.); (P.S.); (C.B.W.); (L.C.)
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14
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Lv L, Wu XD, Yan HJ, Zhao SY, Zhang XD, Zhu KL. The disparity in hesitancy toward COVID-19 vaccination between older individuals in nursing homes and those in the community in Taizhou, China. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:828. [PMID: 38066433 PMCID: PMC10709861 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04518-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Older individuals are priority coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine recipients. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of and factors influencing vaccine hesitancy in older individuals living in nursing homes and communities. METHODS A self-administered COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy survey was conducted from September 2021 to December 2021 among people aged ≥ 60 years in eight nursing homes (382 participants) and the community (112 participants) in Taizhou, China. The response rate was 72.1% (382/530) for older adults in nursing homes and 68.7% (112/163) for older adults in the community. RESULTS We found that 58.1% of the older individuals in nursing homes and 36.6% of those in the community were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and that there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression results indicated that the main factors influencing hesitation among the older individuals in nursing homes were being male (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.67, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.01-2.76); their cognitive level, including having a high perceived risk of COVID-19 infection (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.73-5.43) or the perception of low vaccine safety (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.545- 6.145); anxiety (OR = 3.43, 95% CI: 1.96-5.99); and no previous influenza vaccination (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.13-2.93); whereas those for older individuals in the community were comorbid chronic diseases (OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.11- 8.78) and community workers not recommending the vaccine (OR = 8.223, 95% CI: 1.77-38.27). CONCLUSION The proportion of older individuals in nursing homes who were hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was significantly higher than for older individuals in the community. Targeted measures should be implemented to reduce vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates in response to the special environment of nursing homes and the characteristics of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lv
- The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xu-Dong Wu
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 251 Baizhang East Road, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Huan-Jun Yan
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 251 Baizhang East Road, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shuang-Ying Zhao
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 251 Baizhang East Road, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 251 Baizhang East Road, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ke-Lei Zhu
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, People's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 251 Baizhang East Road, Ningbo, 315040, Zhejiang Province, China.
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15
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Evers J, Geraedts M. Potential determinants of the quantity and duration of COVID-19 outbreaks in geriatric long-term care facilities. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:759. [PMID: 37986144 PMCID: PMC10662170 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04446-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We analyzed potential factors for the number and duration of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes based on routine and structural data. METHODS All outbreaks during 03/2020-01/2022 in N = 687 of a total of 879 geriatric long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in the Federal State of Hesse, Germany were analyzed using t-tests and logistic regressions in a retrospective cohort study. RESULTS Larger LTCFs have more (+ 1.57, p = .009) and longer outbreaks (+ 10.04 days, p > .001). A higher proportion of registered nurses reduces the number (-0.1, p = .036) and duration (-6.02 days, p > .001) of outbreaks. Single-bed rooms provide less duration of outbreaks (-4.5, p = .004). A higher proportion of infected residents (+ 24.26 days, p < .001) and staff (+ 22.98 days, p < .001) prolong outbreaks the most. LTCFs in areas with intermediate population density have an increased risk of prolonged outbreaks (OR: 1.537, p = .036). CONCLUSIONS To prevent outbreaks and shorten their duration, LTCFs should increase the proportion of registered nurses and single-bed rooms, and control staff infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Evers
- Institute for Health Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Max Geraedts
- Institute for Health Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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16
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Chen M, Goodwin JS, Bailey JE, Bowblis JR, Li S, Xu H. Longitudinal Associations of Staff Shortages and Staff Levels with Health Outcomes in Nursing Homes. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023; 24:1755-1760.e7. [PMID: 37263319 PMCID: PMC10826288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine whether facility-reported staff shortages and total staff levels were independently associated with changes in nursing home (NH) outcomes in 2020. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 8466 NHs with staffing and outcome data. METHODS This study used NH COVID-19 Public File (2020), Nursing Home Compare (2019-2020), and Payroll-Based Journal data (2019-2020). Outcome measures included the percentage of long-stay residents in a facility with declines in activities in daily living (ADLs), decreases in mobility, weight loss, and pressure ulcers in 2020 Q2, 2020 Q3, and 2020 Q4. Independent variables were whether NHs reported any shortage of aides or licensed nurses and total staff hours per resident day (HPRD). Separate 2-level (NH, state) Hierarchical Generalized Linear Mixed models examined the association of facility-reported shortages and staff hours with key NH resident outcomes, controlling for NH characteristics and COVID-19 infections. RESULTS The weekly percentage of NHs reporting any staff shortage averaged 20%. Total staff HPRD increased slightly from 3.7 in 2019 to 3.8 in 2020. Health outcomes were stable during 2019 and 2020 Q1 but worsened substantially starting in 2020 Q2. For example, the percentage of residents with mobility loss increased from 16.2% in 2020 Q1 to 27.9% in 2020 Q4. Facility-reported staff shortages were associated with an increase in the proportion of residents with an ADL decline (0.54 percentage points), mobility loss (0.80 percentage points), weight loss (0.22 percentage points), and pressure ulcers (0.22 percentage points) (all P < .01). Total staff HPRD was not associated with changes in any outcomes (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS NHs reported worsened health outcomes among long-stay residents in 2020, with worse outcomes found among facilities that reported staff shortages but not among those with lower total staff levels. Facility-reported shortages provide important quality information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Center for Health System Improvement, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Institute of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - James S Goodwin
- Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - James E Bailey
- Center for Health System Improvement, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Institute of Health Outcomes and Policy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - John R Bowblis
- Department of Economics, Farmer School of Business, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA; Scripps Gerontology Center, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Shuang Li
- Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Huiwen Xu
- Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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17
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Tsai JCH, Chang YY, Hsu CY, Chen HJ, Chan FT, Shi ZY. The Epidemiological Analysis of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Nursing Homes during the Period of Omicron Variant Predominance. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2868. [PMID: 37958011 PMCID: PMC10648883 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemic trend and risk factors associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes during the period of Omicron variant predominance. METHODS The study analyzed the risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and death among the 327 residents and 129 healthcare workers (HCWs) in three hospital-affiliated nursing homes through a multivariate Cox regression model. RESULTS The rates of receiving a COVID-19 booster dose were 70.3% for the residents and 93.0% for the healthcare workers (HCWs), respectively. A number of asymptomatic individuals, including 54 (16.5%) residents and 15 (11.6%) HCWs, were detected through mass screening surveillance tests. The COVID-19 infection rates during the outbreaks were 41.6% among residents and 48.1% among HCWs, respectively. The case fatality rate among residents was 10.3%. None of the HCWs were hospitalized or died. The multivariate Cox regression model showed that the risk of COVID-19 infection increased in males (HR 2.46; 95% CI 1.47-4.11; p = 0.001), Barthel index ≥ 61 (HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.18-3.17; p = 0.009), and dementia (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.14-2.27; p = 0.007). The risk of COVID-19 death increased with pneumonia (HR 11.03; 95% CI 3.02-40.31; p < 0.001), hospitalization (HR 7.18; 95% CI 1.97-26.25; p = 0.003), and admission to an intensive care unit (HR 8.67; 95% CI 2.79-26.89; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted the high infection rates with a substantial proportion of asymptomatic infections for both residents and HCWs, as well as a high case fatality rate for the residents among nursing homes during the Omicron epidemic period. We suggest implementing mass screening through regular surveillance testing as an effective strategy for early detection of COVID-19 and for preventing transmission during an epidemic period. Pneumonia is the primary risk associated with COVID-19 death. Early detection and prompt treatment of pneumonia for vulnerable residents in nursing homes are crucial to protect them from potential mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Che-Hung Tsai
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ying Chang
- Nursing Department, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan
| | - Chiann-Yi Hsu
- Biostatistics Group, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ju Chen
- Infection Control Team, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Tse Chan
- Nursing Department, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Puli Branch, Nantou 545402, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Yuan Shi
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402202, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan
- Department of Industrial Engineering & Enterprise Information, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan
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Nakamura A, Kotani K, Hatakeyama S, Obayashi S, Nagai R. Regional Variations in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality in Japan: An Ecological Study. JMA J 2023; 6:397-403. [PMID: 37941702 PMCID: PMC10628200 DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2023-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vary across regions and countries, the relationship between regional characteristics, such as the distribution of physicians and hospital beds, and COVID-19 mortality was assessed in the 47 prefectures of Japan. Methods This ecological study was based on the number of patients with COVID-19 by prefecture during the seventh wave of COVID-19 in Japan (June-October 2022). COVID-19 mortality was indexed as the number of COVID-19 deaths divided by the number of new COVID-19 cases. Data on regional factors, such as population size, number of physicians, and hospital beds by prefecture, were obtained from government statistics. Correlations between regional characteristics and COVID-19 mortality index were analyzed by dividing the 47 prefectures into two groups at the median level of population size (more populated group [MPG] ≥ 1.6 million and less populated group [LPG] < 1.6 million). Results The COVID-19 mortality index (mean 12.7, minimum-maximum: 4.7-25.7) was correlated negatively with the number of physicians per hospital bed (r = -0.386, p = 0.007) and positively with the number of long-term care facilities per 10,000 population (r = 0.397, p = 0.006) and aging rate (the proportion of population aged ≥ 65 years) (r = 0.471, p = 0.001). The two groups varied with respect to the number of physicians (28.7 physicians in the LPG vs. 26.1 physicians in the MPG, p = 0.038) and hospital beds (156 beds in the LPG vs. 119 beds in the MPG, p < 0.001) per 10,000 population. In the multiple regression analysis, the COVID-19 mortality index was correlated negatively with the number of physicians per hospital bed (β = -0.543, p = 0.024) and positively with the aging rate (β = 0.434, p = 0.032) in the LPG, with nonsignificant correlations in the MPG. Conclusions The data may suggest a need of improvement in the distribution of physicians and hospital beds in the healthcare system in regions with smaller and older populations to reduce the rate of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Nakamura
- Division of Community and Family Medicine, Center for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kotani
- Division of Community and Family Medicine, Center for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Shuji Hatakeyama
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jichi Medical University Hospital, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Senichi Obayashi
- Division of Community and Family Medicine, Center for Community Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
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Murphy C, Lim WW, Mills C, Wong JY, Chen D, Xie Y, Li M, Gould S, Xin H, Cheung JK, Bhatt S, Cowling BJ, Donnelly CA. Effectiveness of social distancing measures and lockdowns for reducing transmission of COVID-19 in non-healthcare, community-based settings. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2023; 381:20230132. [PMID: 37611629 PMCID: PMC10446910 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Social distancing measures (SDMs) are community-level interventions that aim to reduce person-to-person contacts in the community. SDMs were a major part of the responses first to contain, then to mitigate, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Common SDMs included limiting the size of gatherings, closing schools and/or workplaces, implementing work-from-home arrangements, or more stringent restrictions such as lockdowns. This systematic review summarized the evidence for the effectiveness of nine SDMs. Almost all of the studies included were observational in nature, which meant that there were intrinsic risks of bias that could have been avoided were conditions randomly assigned to study participants. There were no instances where only one form of SDM had been in place in a particular setting during the study period, making it challenging to estimate the separate effect of each intervention. The more stringent SDMs such as stay-at-home orders, restrictions on mass gatherings and closures were estimated to be most effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Most studies included in this review suggested that combinations of SDMs successfully slowed or even stopped SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the community. However, individual effects and optimal combinations of interventions, as well as the optimal timing for particular measures, require further investigation. This article is part of the theme issue 'The effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic: the evidence'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitriona Murphy
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wey Wen Lim
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Cathal Mills
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jessica Y. Wong
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongxuan Chen
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmy Xie
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingwei Li
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Susan Gould
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hualei Xin
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Justin K. Cheung
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Samir Bhatt
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin J. Cowling
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Christl A. Donnelly
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Henriques HR, Sousa D, Faria J, Pinto J, Costa A, Henriques MA, Durão MC. Learning from the covid-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:618. [PMID: 37784017 PMCID: PMC10546730 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has devastatingly affected Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF), exposing aging people, staff members, and visitors. The world has learned through the pandemic and lessons can be taken to adopt effective measures to deal with COVID-19 outbreaks in LTCF. We aimed to systematically review the available evidence on the effect of measures to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in LTCs during outbreaks since 2021. METHODS The search method was guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews (PRISMA) and the reporting guideline synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) in systematic reviews. The search was performed in April 2023. Observational and interventional studies from the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, and Academic Search were systematically reviewed. We included studies conducted in the LTCF with outbreaks that quantitatively assess the effect of non-pharmacological measures on cases of COVID-19. Two review authors independently reviewed titles for inclusion, extracted data, and undertook the risk of bias according to pre-specified criteria. The quality of studies was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal. RESULTS Thirteen studies were included, with 8442 LTCF experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and 598 thousand participants (residents and staff members). Prevention and control of COVID-19 infection interventions were grouped into three themes: strategic, tactical, and operational measures. The strategic measures reveal the importance of COVID-19 prevention and control as LTCF structural characteristics, namely the LTCF size, new admissions, infection control surveillance, and architectural structure. At the tactical level, the lack of personal and long staff shifts is related to COVID-19's spread. Operational measures with a favorable effect on preventing COVID-19 transmission are sufficient. Personal protective equipment stock, correct mask use, signaling, social distancing, and resident cohorting. CONCLUSIONS Operational, tactical, and strategic approaches may have a favorable effect on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in LTCFs experiencing outbreaks. Given the heterogeneous nature of the measures, performing a meta-analysis was not possible. Future research should use more robust study designs to explore similar infection control measures in LTCFs during endemic situations with comparable outbreaks. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020214566).
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga Rafael Henriques
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, CIDNUR - Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon, Avenida Prof Egas Moniz, 1600-190, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Diana Sousa
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, CIDNUR - Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon, Avenida Prof Egas Moniz, 1600-190, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Faria
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, CIDNUR - Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon, Avenida Prof Egas Moniz, 1600-190, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Pinto
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, CIDNUR - Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon, Avenida Prof Egas Moniz, 1600-190, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Costa
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, CIDNUR - Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon, Avenida Prof Egas Moniz, 1600-190, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental - ISAMB, Lisbon Medical School - Avenida Professor Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Adriana Henriques
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, CIDNUR - Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon, Avenida Prof Egas Moniz, 1600-190, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental - ISAMB, Lisbon Medical School - Avenida Professor Egas Moniz MB, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Cândida Durão
- Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Lisboa, CIDNUR - Nursing Research, Innovation and Development Centre of Lisbon, Avenida Prof Egas Moniz, 1600-190, Lisbon, Portugal
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Duncombe TR, Garrod M, Wang X, Ng J, Lee E, Short K, Tan K. Risk factors associated with severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, outbreak duration, and mortality in acute-care settings. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:1643-1649. [PMID: 36815248 PMCID: PMC10587374 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in acute-care settings affects patients, healthcare workers, and the healthcare system. We conducted an analysis of risk factors associated with outbreak severity to inform prevention strategies. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis of COVID-19 outbreaks was conducted at Fraser Health acute-care sites between March 2020 and March 2021. Outbreak severity measures included COVID-19 attack rate, outbreak duration, and 30-day case mortality. Generalized linear models with generalized estimating equations were used for all outcome measures. A P value of 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Analyses were performed using SAS version 3.8 software, R version 4.1.0 software, and Stata version 16.0 software. RESULTS Between March 2020 and March 2021, 54 COVID-19 outbreaks were declared in Fraser Health acute-care sites. Overall, a 10% increase in the hand hygiene rate during the outbreak resulted in an 18% decrease in the attack rate (P < .01), 1 fewer death (P = .03), and shorter outbreaks (P < .01). A 10-year increase in unit age was associated with 2.2 additional days of outbreak (P < 0.01) and increases in the attack rate (P < .05) and the number of deaths (P < .01). DISCUSSION We observed an inverse relationship between increased hand hygiene compliance during outbreaks and all 3 severity measures. Increased unit age was also associated with increases in each of the severity measures. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of hand hygiene practices during an outbreak and the difficulties faced by older facilities, many of which have infrastructural challenges. The latter reinforces the need to incorporate infection control standards into healthcare planning and construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara R. Duncombe
- Infection Prevention and Control, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Matthew Garrod
- Infection Prevention and Control, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xuetao Wang
- Infection Prevention and Control, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joyce Ng
- Infection Prevention and Control, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eunsun Lee
- Infection Prevention and Control, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katy Short
- Infection Prevention and Control, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kennard Tan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
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Bakare RA, Mulcahy JF, Pullen MF, Demmer RT, Cox SL, Thurn JA, Galdys AL. Patient-facing job role is associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity among healthcare workers in long term care facilities in Minnesota, August-December, 2020. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2023; 44:1467-1471. [PMID: 36912330 PMCID: PMC10507513 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2022.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Healthcare workers (HCWs) in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are disproportionately affected by severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To characterize factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity among LTCF HCWs, we performed a retrospective cohort study among HCWs in 32 LTCFs in the Minneapolis-St Paul region. METHODS We analyzed the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity among LTCF HCWs during weeks 34-52 of 2020. LTCF and HCW-level characteristics, including facility size, facility risk score for resident-HCW contact, and resident-facing job role, were modeled in univariable and multivariable generalized linear regressions to determine their association with SARS-CoV-2 positivity. RESULTS Between weeks 34 and 52, 440 (20.7%) of 2,130 unique HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at least once. In the univariable model, non-resident-facing HCWs had lower odds of infection (odds ratio [OR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.70). In the multivariable model, the odds remained lower for non-resident-facing HCW (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.36-0.71), and those in medium- versus low-risk facilities experienced higher odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.08-2.02). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that COVID-19 cases are related to contact between HCW and residents in LTCFs. This association should be considered when formulating infection prevention and control policies to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in LTCFs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John F. Mulcahy
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Ryan T. Demmer
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sara L. Cox
- M Health Fairview Health System, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Alison L. Galdys
- University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Mbalayen F, Mir S, de l'Estoile V, Letty A, Le Bruchec S, Pondjikli M, Seringe E, Berrut G, Kabirian F, Fourrier MA, Armaingaud D, Josseran L, Delarocque-Astagneau E, Gautier S. Impact of the first COVID-19 epidemic wave in a large French network of nursing homes: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:406. [PMID: 37400803 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nursing homes (NHs) have been particularly affected by COVID-19. The aim of this study is to estimate the burden of COVID-19 and to investigate factors associated with mortality during the first epidemic wave in a large French NHs network. METHODS An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in September-October 2020. 290 NHs were asked to complete an online questionnaire covering the first epidemic wave on facilities and resident characteristics, number of suspected/confirmed COVID-19 deaths, and preventive/control measures taken at the facility level. Data were crosschecked using routinely collected administrative data on the facilities. The statistical unit of the study was the NH. Overall COVID-19 mortality rate was estimated. Factors associated with COVID-19 mortality were investigated using a multivariable multinomial logistic regression. The outcome was classified in 3 categories: "no COVID-19 death in a given NH", occurrence of an "episode of concern" (at least 10% of the residents died from COVID-19), occurrence of a "moderate episode" (deaths of COVID-19, less than 10% of the residents). RESULTS Of the 192 (66%) participating NHs, 28 (15%) were classified as having an "episode of concern". In the multinomial logistic regression, moderate epidemic magnitude in the NHs county (adjusted OR = 9.3; 95%CI=[2.6-33.3]), high number of healthcare and housekeeping staff (aOR = 3.7 [1.2-11.4]) and presence of an Alzheimer's unit (aOR = 0.2 [0.07-0.7]) were significantly associated with an "episode of concern". CONCLUSIONS We found a significant association between the occurrence of an "episode of concern" in a NH and some of its organizational characteristics and the epidemic magnitude in the area. These results can be used to improve the epidemic preparedness of NHs, particularly regarding the organization of NHs in small units with dedicated staff. Factors associated with COVID-19 mortality and preventive measures taken in nursing homes in France during the first epidemic wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Mbalayen
- University Department Public Health, Prevention, Observation, Territories - UFR Simone Veil - Santé, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.
| | - Sarah Mir
- Département hospitalier d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, Groupe hospitalier universitaire Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Garches, France
| | | | - Aude Letty
- Korian Foundation for the Ageing Well, Korian, Paris, SA, France
| | - Solenn Le Bruchec
- Gérontopôle Autonomie Longévité Pays de la Loire, Nantes, 44200, France
| | - Manon Pondjikli
- Gérontopôle Autonomie Longévité Pays de la Loire, Nantes, 44200, France
| | - Elise Seringe
- Centre d'appui pour la prévention des infections associées aux soins - CPias Île-de-France, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Berrut
- Gérontopôle Autonomie Longévité Pays de la Loire, Nantes, 44200, France
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Gérontologie Clinique, Nantes, France
| | - Fariba Kabirian
- Korian SA, Medical, Ethics and Quality Department, Paris, France
| | | | - Didier Armaingaud
- Korian Foundation for the Ageing Well, Korian, Paris, SA, France
- Korian SA, Medical, Ethics and Quality Department, Paris, France
| | - Loïc Josseran
- University Department Public Health, Prevention, Observation, Territories - UFR Simone Veil - Santé, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Département hospitalier d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, Groupe hospitalier universitaire Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Garches, France
- Centre de recherche en épidémiologie et santé des populations, UMR 1018, Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Université Paris-Saclay, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Elisabeth Delarocque-Astagneau
- University Department Public Health, Prevention, Observation, Territories - UFR Simone Veil - Santé, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Département hospitalier d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, Groupe hospitalier universitaire Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Garches, France
- Centre de recherche en épidémiologie et santé des populations, UMR 1018, Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Université Paris-Saclay, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Sylvain Gautier
- University Department Public Health, Prevention, Observation, Territories - UFR Simone Veil - Santé, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Département hospitalier d'épidémiologie et de santé publique, hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, Groupe hospitalier universitaire Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Garches, France
- Centre de recherche en épidémiologie et santé des populations, UMR 1018, Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Université Paris-Saclay, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
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24
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Kwiatkowska R, Yaxley N, Moore G, Bennett A, Donati M, Love N, Vivancos R, Hickman M, Ready DR. Environmental sampling for SARS-CoV-2 in long term care facilities: lessons from a pilot study. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 6:235. [PMID: 38406228 PMCID: PMC10891430 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.17047.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the risk of infection in long-term care facilities (LTCF) and the vulnerability of residents to severe outcomes. Environmental surveillance may help detect pathogens early and inform Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in these settings. Methods: Upon notification of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, LTCF within a local authority in South West England were approached to take part in this pilot study. Investigators visited to swab common touch-points and elevated 'non-touch' surfaces (>1.5m above ground level) and samples were analysed for presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material (RNA). Data were collected regarding LTCF infrastructure, staff behaviours, clinical and epidemiological risk factors for infection (staff and residents), and IPC measures. Criteria for success were: recruitment of three LTCF; detection of SARS-COV-2 RNA; variation in proportion of SARS-CoV-2 positive surfaces by sampling zone; and collection of clinical and epidemiological data for context. Results: Three LTCFs were recruited, ranging in size and resident demographics. Outbreaks lasted 63, 50 and 30 days with resident attack rates of 53%, 40% and 8%, respectively. The proportion of sample sites on which SARS-CoV-2 was detected was highest in rooms occupied by infected residents and varied elsewhere in the LTCF, with low levels in a facility implementing enhanced IPC measures. The heterogeneity of settings and difficulty obtaining data made it unfeasible to assess association between environmental contamination and infection. A greater proportion of elevated surfaces tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA than common touch-points. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in a variety of LTCF outbreak settings, both on common-touch items and in elevated sites out of reach. This suggests that further work is justified, to assess feasibility and utility of environmental sampling for infection surveillance in LTCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Kwiatkowska
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UKHSA, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicola Yaxley
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Ginny Moore
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Allan Bennett
- Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
| | - Matthew Donati
- Severn Infection Sciences, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
- UKHSA Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories,, South West Regional Laboratory, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicola Love
- Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UKHSA, Newcastle, UK
| | - Roberto Vivancos
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UKHSA, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Derren R Ready
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UKHSA, Bristol, UK
- Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
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Scanferla G, Héquet D, Graf N, Münzer T, Kessler S, Kohler P, Nussbaumer A, Petignat C, Schlegel M, Flury D. COVID-19 burden and influencing factors in Swiss long-term-care facilities: a cross-sectional analysis of a multicentre observational cohort. Swiss Med Wkly 2023; 153:40052. [PMID: 37011609 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2023.40052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe the burden of COVID-19 in Swiss long-term care facilities in 2020, to identify its influencing factors, and to assess vaccination rates among residents and healthcare workers at the end of the vaccine campaign in Switzerland in May 2021.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey.
SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Long-term care facilities from two Swiss cantons (St. Gallen / Eastern Switzerland and Vaud / Western Switzerland).
METHODS: We collected numbers of COVID-19 cases and related deaths and all-cause mortality for 2020, potential risk factors at the institutional level (e.g. size, infection prevention and control measures, and resident characteristics), and vaccination rates among residents and healthcare workers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with resident mortality in 2020.
RESULTS: We enrolled 59 long-term care facilities with a median of 46 (interquartile range [IQR]: 33–69) occupied beds. In 2020, the median COVID-19 incidence was 40.2 (IQR: 0–108.6) per 100 occupied beds, with higher rates in VD (49.9%) than in SG (32.5%; p = 0.037). Overall, 22.7% of COVID-19 cases died, of which 24.8% were COVID-19-related deaths. In the univariate analysis, higher resident mortality was associated with COVID-19 rates among residents (p < 0.001) and healthcare workers (p = 0.002) and age (p = 0.013). Lower resident mortality was associated with the proportion of single rooms (p = 0.012), isolation of residents with COVID-19 in single rooms (p = 0.003), symptom screening of healthcare workers (p = 0.031), limiting the number of visits per day (p = 0.004), and pre-scheduling visits (p = 0.037). In the multivariate analysis, higher resident mortality was only associated with age (p = 0.03) and the COVID-19 rate among residents (p = 0.013). Among 2936 residents, 2042 (69.9%) received ≥1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before 31 May 2021. Vaccine uptake among healthcare workers was 33.8%.
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: COVID-19 burden was high but also highly variable in Swiss long-term care facilities. severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers was a modifiable factor associated with increased resident mortality. Symptom screening of healthcare workers appeared to be an effective preventive strategy and should be included in routine infection prevention and control measures. Promoting COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers should be a priority in Swiss long-term care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Scanferla
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Delphine Héquet
- Unité cantonale hygiène, prévention et contrôle de l'infection, Canton de Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Graf
- Clinical Trials Unit (CTU), Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Simone Kessler
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Kohler
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Andres Nussbaumer
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Petignat
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Schlegel
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Domenica Flury
- Department of Infectious Diseases/Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
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Hodge E, Oversby S, Chor J. Why are some outbreaks worse than others? COVID-19 outbreak management strategies from a PHU perspective. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:597. [PMID: 36997870 PMCID: PMC10060923 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND From a Public Health Unit (PHU) perspective, this review aimed to examine factors associated with adverse outbreak outcomes, to identify evidence based focal strategies of managing COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care settings. METHODS A retrospective review of PHU documentation examined all 55 COVID-19 outbreaks in Wide Bay RACFs across the first 3 COVID-19 waves in Queensland, through thematic and statistical analysis. . RESULTS Thematic analysis using the framework approach identified 5 themes associated with outcomes of COVID-19 outbreaks in RACFs. These were analysed for statistical significance against outbreak outcomes including duration, attack rate and case fatality rate. There was a significant relationship between memory support unit (MSU) involvement and adverse outbreak outcomes. Attack rate was significantly associated with communication frequency, symptom monitoring and case detection approach, staff shortages and cohorting. Staff shortages were also significantly associated with a prolonged outbreak duration. There was no statistically significant relationship between outbreak outcomes and resource availability or infection control strategy. . CONCLUSIONS This emphasises the importance of frequent communication between PHUs and RACFs during active outbreaks, as well as the need for regular symptom monitoring and prompt case detection, to minimise viral transmission. Staff shortages and cohorting are also crucial factors to be addressed during outbreak management. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH This review adds to the evidence basis of COVID-19 outbreak management strategies to improve PHU advice to RACFs, to mitigate viral transmission and ultimately reduce the burden of disease associated with COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hodge
- Wide Bay Public Health Unit (WBPHU), Queensland Health, Hervey Bay, Australia.
| | - Shannen Oversby
- Wide Bay Public Health Unit (WBPHU), Queensland Health, Hervey Bay, Australia
| | - Josette Chor
- Wide Bay Public Health Unit (WBPHU), Queensland Health, Hervey Bay, Australia
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ÓhAiseadha C, Quinn GA, Connolly R, Wilson A, Connolly M, Soon W, Hynds P. Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) for Population Health and Health Inequalities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5223. [PMID: 37047846 PMCID: PMC10094123 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, governments around the world have adopted an array of measures intended to control the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, using both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). NPIs are public health interventions that do not rely on vaccines or medicines and include policies such as lockdowns, stay-at-home orders, school closures, and travel restrictions. Although the intention was to slow viral transmission, emerging research indicates that these NPIs have also had unintended consequences for other aspects of public health. Hence, we conducted a narrative review of studies investigating these unintended consequences of NPIs, with a particular emphasis on mental health and on lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD): physical activity (PA), overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco smoking. We reviewed the scientific literature using combinations of search terms such as 'COVID-19', 'pandemic', 'lockdowns', 'mental health', 'physical activity', and 'obesity'. NPIs were found to have considerable adverse consequences for mental health, physical activity, and overweight and obesity. The impacts on alcohol and tobacco consumption varied greatly within and between studies. The variability in consequences for different groups implies increased health inequalities by age, sex/gender, socioeconomic status, pre-existing lifestyle, and place of residence. In conclusion, a proper assessment of the use of NPIs in attempts to control the spread of the pandemic should be weighed against the potential adverse impacts on other aspects of public health. Our findings should also be of relevance for future pandemic preparedness and pandemic response teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coilín ÓhAiseadha
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive, D08 W2A8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gerry A. Quinn
- Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Ronan Connolly
- Independent Scientist, D08 Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
| | - Awwad Wilson
- National Drug Treatment Centre, Health Service Executive, D02 NY26 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Connolly
- Independent Scientist, D08 Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
| | - Willie Soon
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
- Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (ELKH EPSS), H-9400 Sopron, Hungary
| | - Paul Hynds
- SpatioTemporal Environmental Epidemiology Research (STEER) Group, Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience, University College Dublin, D02 FX65 Dublin, Ireland
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28
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains asymptomatic in 33% to 90% of older adults depending on their immune status from prior infection, vaccination, and circulating strain. Older adults symptomatic with SARS-CoV-2 often both present atypically, such as with a blunted fever response, and develop more severe disease. Early and late reports showed that older adults have increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with higher case fatality rates and higher intensive care needs compared with younger adults. Infection and vaccine-induced antibody response and long-term effects of COVID-19 also differ in older adults.
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29
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Čokić V, Popovska Z, Lijeskić O, Šabić L, Djurković-Djaković O. Three Outbreaks of COVID-19 in a Single Nursing Home over Two Years of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Aging Dis 2023; 14:99-111. [PMID: 36818555 PMCID: PMC9937707 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Older people in nursing homes (NH) have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a retrospective study of three outbreaks of COVID-19, occurring during the waves of the initial pre-Alpha, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants, in one NH in suburban Belgrade, Serbia. All staff and 95% residents were vaccinated in February 2021, mostly with BBIBP-CorV, and two thirds were boosted with a third dose in August 2021. COVID-19 was diagnosed by positive PCR and/or antigen test. After the first outbreak, 80 affected individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. The first outbreak involved 64/126 (50.8%) residents and 45/64 (70.3%) staff, the second 22/75 (29.3%) residents and 3/40 (7.5%) staff, and the third involved 36/110 (32.7%) residents and 19/56 (33.9%) staff. Clinical presentation ranged from asymptomatic to severe, with severe cases referred to hospital ICUs. Deaths occurred only in residents, and the case fatality rate was 31.2%, 9.1% and 0%, respectively in outbreaks 1, 2 and 3. Specific IgG antibodies were detected in all 35 residents and 44 of the 45 staff, and higher IgG levels were detected in the residents (417.3±273.5) than in the staff (201.9±192.9, p<0.0001) despite a double difference in age (79.0±7.4 vs. 40.1±11.5 years). Outbreaks 2 and 3 involved four and 23 breakthrough infections, respectively. Older individuals mounted a good immunological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination, which prevented significant mortality and severe morbidity in the subsequent outbreaks, despite a significant number of breakthrough infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladan Čokić
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Olivera Lijeskić
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Olgica Djurković-Djaković
- Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia,Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Olgica Djurković-Djaković, Center of Excellence for Food- and Vector-borne Zoonoses, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. e-mail address: .
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30
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Dequeker S, Callies M, Catteau L, Int Panis L, Islamaj E, Klamer S, Latour K, Pauwels M, Vernemmen C, Mahieu R, Masson H, Savsin M, De Clercq E, Thomas M, Catry B, Vandael E. COVID-19 Clusters in Belgian Nursing Homes: Impact of Facility Characteristics and Vaccination on Cluster Occurrence, Duration and Severity. Viruses 2023; 15:232. [PMID: 36680272 PMCID: PMC9867491 DOI: 10.3390/v15010232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 severely affected nursing home residents from March 2020 onwards in Belgium. This study aimed to model the impact of vaccination and facility characteristics on cluster occurrence, duration and severity in this setting. Possible clusters were identified between June 2020 and January 2022, based on the Belgian COVID-19 surveillance in nursing homes. Median attack rates (AR) among residents and staff, case hospitalization rates (CHR) and case fatality rates (CFR) were calculated. A negative binomial model was used to identify the association between nursing home characteristics and the number of cases, hospital admissions and deaths and the duration of the cluster. A total of 2239 clusters were detected in more than 80% of nursing homes. Most of these (62%) occurred before the start of COVID-19 vaccination (end of December 2020). After vaccination, the number of clusters, the AR among residents and staff, the CHR and the CFR dropped. Previous cluster(s) and vaccination decreased the number of cases, hospital admissions and deaths among residents. Previous cluster experience and having started vaccination were protective factors. We recommend continued implementation of targeted interventions such as vaccination, large-scale screening and immediate implementation of additional infection prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dequeker
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Milena Callies
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucy Catteau
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Int Panis
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Esma Islamaj
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sofieke Klamer
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katrien Latour
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marijke Pauwels
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catharina Vernemmen
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Romain Mahieu
- Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Common Community Commission, Brussels-Capital Region, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hanna Masson
- Agency for Care and Health, Infection Prevention and Control, Government of Flanders, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Muhammet Savsin
- Direction de la Recherche, de la Statistique et de la Veille des Politiques, AVIQ, 6061 Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Etienne De Clercq
- Iriscare, Brussels Public Agency for Health and Social Care, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mireille Thomas
- Cellule des Maladies Infectieuses, Département Santé et Personnes Âgées, Ministère de la Communauté Germanophone, 4700 Eupen, Belgium
| | - Boudewijn Catry
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Faculty of Medecine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eline Vandael
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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31
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Zhang J, Yu Y, Petrovic M, Pei X, Tian QB, Zhang L, Zhang WH. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding control measures on long-term care facilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing 2023; 52:6987654. [PMID: 36668818 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) were high-risk settings for COVID-19 outbreaks. OBJECTIVE To assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on LTCFs, including rates of infection, hospitalisation, case fatality, and mortality, and to determine the association between control measures and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in residents and staff. METHOD We conducted a systematic search of six databases for articles published between December 2019 and 5 November 2021, and performed meta-analyses and subgroup analyses to identify the impact of COVID-19 on LTCFs and the association between control measures and infection rate. RESULTS We included 108 studies from 19 countries. These studies included 1,902,044 residents and 255,498 staff from 81,572 LTCFs, among whom 296,024 residents and 36,807 staff were confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive. The pooled infection rate was 32.63% (95%CI: 30.29 ~ 34.96%) for residents, whereas it was 10.33% (95%CI: 9.46 ~ 11.21%) for staff. In LTCFs that cancelled visits, new patient admissions, communal dining and group activities, and vaccinations, infection rates in residents and staff were lower than the global rate. We reported the residents' hospitalisation rate to be 29.09% (95%CI: 25.73 ~ 32.46%), with a case-fatality rate of 22.71% (95%CI: 21.31 ~ 24.11%) and mortality rate of 15.81% (95%CI: 14.32 ~ 17.30%). Significant publication biases were observed in the residents' case-fatality rate and the staff infection rate, but not in the infection, hospitalisation, or mortality rate of residents. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 infection rates would be very high among LTCF residents and staff without appropriate control measures. Cancelling visits, communal dining and group activities, restricting new admissions, and increasing vaccination would significantly reduce the infection rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,The Research Center for Medical Sociology, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Yu
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Mirko Petrovic
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Xiaomei Pei
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Hebei Medical University, 050017 Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qing-Bao Tian
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Artificial Intelligence and Modelling in Epidemiology Program, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne 3053, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, 450001 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhang
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.,School of Public Health, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles 1070, Belgium
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32
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Brainard DJ, Bunn DD, Watts ML, Killett DA, O'Brien PSJ, Lake PIR, Mumford MS, Lane DK. English care home staff morale and preparedness during the Covid pandemic: A longitudinal analysis. Am J Infect Control 2022:S0196-6553(22)00778-7. [PMID: 36332725 PMCID: PMC9626402 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND : Staff actions to prevent infection introduction and transmission in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) were key to reducing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Implementing infection control measures (ICMs) requires training, adherence and complex decision making while trying to deliver high quality care. We surveyed LTCF staff in England about their preparedness and morale at three timepoints during the COVID-19 epidemic. METHODS : Online structured survey targeted at LTCF workers (any role) administered at three timepoints (November 2020-January 2021; August-November 2021; March-May 2022). Narrative summary of answers, narrative and statistical summary (proportionality with Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's Exact Test) of possible differences in answers between waves. RESULTS : Across all three survey waves, 387 responses were received. Morale, attitudes towards working environment and perception about colleague collaboration were mostly positive at all survey points. Infection control training was perceived as adequate. Staff felt mostly positive emotions at work. The working environment remained challenging. Masks were the single form of PPE most consistently used; eye protection the least used. Mask-wearing was linked to poorer communication and resident discomfort as well as mild negative health impacts on many staff, such as dehydration and adverse skin reactions. Hand sanitiser caused skin irritation. CONCUSIONS : Staff morale and working practices were generally good even though the working environment provided many new challenges that did not exist pre-pandemic.
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33
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Correia G, Rodrigues L, Afonso M, Mota M, Oliveira J, Soares R, Tomás AL, Reichel A, Silva PM, Costa JJ, da Silva MG, Santos NC, Gonçalves T. SARS-CoV-2 air and surface contamination in residential settings. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18058. [PMID: 36302823 PMCID: PMC9610309 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22679-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs mainly indoors, through virus-laden airborne particles. Although the presence and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosol are now acknowledged, the underlying circumstances for its occurrence are still under investigation. The contamination of domiciliary environments during the isolation of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in their respective rooms in individual houses and in a nursing home was investigated by collecting surface and air samples in these environments. Surface contamination was detected in different contexts, both on high and low-touch surfaces. To determine the presence of virus particles in the air, two sampling methodologies were used: air and deposition sampling. Positive deposition samples were found in sampling locations above the patient's height, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in impactation air samples within a size fraction below 2.5 μm. Surface samples rendered the highest positivity rate and persistence for a longer period. The presence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 RNA occurred mainly in deposition samples and closer to symptom onset. To evaluate the infectivity of selected positive samples, SARS-CoV-2 viability assays were performed, but our study was not able to validate the virus viability. The presented results confirm the presence of aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 RNA in indoor compartments occupied by COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms, in the absence of aerosol-generating clinical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Correia
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- ARS Centro, IP, Alameda Júlio Henriques, 3000-457, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Luís Rodrigues
- Universitary Clinic of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra Nephrology Service, Hospital and University Center of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Afonso
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Mota
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Oliveira
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rui Soares
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Instituto Português de Oncologia de Coimbra Francisco Gentil EPE, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Tomás
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anna Reichel
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Patrícia M Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José J Costa
- ADAI, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Univ Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos, Pólo II, 3030-788, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Gameiro da Silva
- ADAI, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Univ Coimbra, Rua Luís Reis Santos, Pólo II, 3030-788, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- FMUC, Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Medical Microbiology Research Group, CNC-Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Palese A, Chiappinotto S, Peghin M, Marin M, Turello D, Caporale D, Tascini C. What Kind of Interventions Were Perceived as Effective Against Coronavirus-19 in Nursing Homes in Italy? A Descriptive Qualitative Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:1795-1808. [PMID: 36171870 PMCID: PMC9510694 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s377249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify interventions implemented during the first, second and third waves of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among Italian Nursing Homes (NHs). Patients and Methods A descriptive qualitative design according to COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative (COREQ) guideline. A purposeful sample of five public NHs, located in the north-east of Italy, equipped with from 60 to 151 beds, participated. Six nurse managers, four clinical nurses and one NH director were interviewed in depth at the end of 2021. These interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. A qualitative content analysis was performed to identify effective interventions as perceived by participants to protect facilities and residents from the pandemic. Results Three main sets of interventions have been applied, at the environmental, nurse staff and at the resident levels. Some have been enacted in all facilities, others in a few but in a homogeneous fashion, while other interventions have been implemented in some NHs also in contrast with available national or local recommendations. Conclusion Despite their documented frailty and precarious system, NHs implemented several interventions to protect their residents from the COVID-19. All interventions have been designed and implemented during the event, suggesting the need to increase the NHs’ preparedness to face future disasters. Regarding those interventions enacted in contrast to the recommendations or not homogeneously across NHs, future investigations are suggested to assess their actual effectiveness and accumulate evidence for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvisa Palese
- Department of Medical Science, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Maddalena Peghin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Meri Marin
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - David Turello
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Denis Caporale
- Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale, Udine, Italy
| | - Carlo Tascini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Dujmovic M, Roederer T, Frison S, Melki C, Lauvin T, Grellety E. COVID-19 in French nursing homes during the second pandemic wave: a mixed-methods cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060276. [PMID: 36127110 PMCID: PMC9490301 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION French nursing homes were deeply affected by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 38% of all residents infected and 5% dying. Yet, little was done to prepare these facilities for the second pandemic wave, and subsequent outbreak response strategies largely duplicated what had been done in the spring of 2020, regardless of the unique needs of the care home environment. METHODS A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study using a retrospective, quantitative data from residents of 14 nursing homes between November 2020 and mid-January 2021. Four facilities were purposively selected as qualitative study sites for additional in-person, in-depth interviews in January and February 2021. RESULTS The average attack rate in the 14 participating nursing facilities was 39% among staff and 61% among residents. One-fifth (20) of infected residents ultimately died from COVID-19 and its complications. Failure to thrive syndrome (FTTS) was diagnosed in 23% of COVID-19-positive residents. Those at highest risk of death were men (HR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.70; p=0.006), with FTTS (HR=4.04; 95% CI: 1.93 to 8.48; p<0.001) or in facilities with delayed implementation of universal FFP2 masking policies (HR=1.05; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.07; p<0.001). The lowest mortality was found in residents of facilities with a partial (HR=0.30; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.51; p<0.001) or full-time physician on staff (HR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.53; p=0.001). Significant themes emerging from qualitative analysis centred on (1) the structural, chronic neglect of nursing homes, (2) the negative effects of the top-down, bureaucratic nature of COVID-19 crisis response, and (3) the counterproductive effects of lockdowns on both residents and staff. CONCLUSION Despite high resident mortality during the first pandemic wave, French nursing homes were ill-prepared for the second, with risk factors (especially staffing, lack of medical support, isolation/quarantine policy, etc) that affected case fatality and residents' and caregivers' overall well-being and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Dujmovic
- Department of Epidemiology and Training, Epicentre, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Roederer
- Department of Epidemiology and Training, Epicentre, Paris, France
| | - Severine Frison
- Department of Epidemiology and Training, Epicentre, Paris, France
| | - Carla Melki
- Emergency Cell, Médecins Sans Frontières, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Lauvin
- Emergency Cell, Médecins Sans Frontières, Paris, France
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36
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Dyer AH, Fallon A, Noonan C, Dolphin H, O'Farrelly C, Bourke NM, O'Neill D, Kennelly SP. Managing the Impact of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: An Update. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:1590-1602. [PMID: 35922016 PMCID: PMC9250924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Older adults in nursing homes are at greatest risk of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nursing home residents constituted one-third to more than half of all deaths during the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following this, widespread adaptation of infection prevention and control measures and the supply and use of personal protective equipment resulted in a significant decrease in nursing home infections and deaths. For nursing homes, the most important determinant of experiencing a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the first instance appears to be community-transmission levels (particularly with variants of concern), although nursing home size and quality, for-profit status, and sociodemographic characteristics are also important. Use of visitation bans, imposed to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on residents, must be delicately balanced against their impact on resident, friend or family, and staff well-being. The successful rollout of primary vaccination has resulted in a sharp decrease in morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes. However, emerging evidence suggests that vaccine efficacy may wane over time, and the use of a third or additional vaccine "booster" doses in nursing home residents restores protection afforded by primary vaccination. Ongoing monitoring of vaccine efficacy in terms of infection, morbidity, and mortality is crucial in this vulnerable group in informing ongoing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine boosting strategies. Here, we detail the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on nursing home residents and discuss important considerations in the management of nursing home SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks. We additionally examine the use of testing strategies, nonpharmacologic outbreak control measures and vaccination strategies in this cohort. Finally, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the sector is reflected on as we emphasize the need for adoption of universal standards of medical care and integration with wider public health infrastructure in nursing homes in order to provide a safe and effective long-term care sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Dyer
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Aoife Fallon
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire Noonan
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Helena Dolphin
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- Comparative Immunology, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Dublin, Ireland; School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nollaig M Bourke
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Inflammageing Research Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Desmond O'Neill
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean P Kennelly
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Mellou K, Sapounas S, Panagoulias I, Gkova M, Papadima K, Andreopoulou A, Kalotychou D, Chatzopoulos M, Gkolfinopoulou K, Papaevangelou V, Tsiodras S, Panagiotakopoulos G, Zaoutis T, Paraskevis D. Time Lag between COVID-19 Diagnosis and Symptoms Onset for Different Population Groups: Evidence That Self-Testing in Schools Was Associated with Timely Diagnosis among Children. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1305. [PMID: 36143342 PMCID: PMC9506207 DOI: 10.3390/life12091305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early identification of COVID-19 cases has been vital for reducing transmission and enabling treatment. In Greece, in autumn 2021 when Delta was the predominant circulating variant, unvaccinated citizens had to be tested before attending activities, and self-testing was required twice a week for students (5−17 years). Here, we describe the time of diagnosis by age group and possible exposure to assess testing strategies (September to November 2021). Information on the presence of symptoms at the time of diagnosis was available for 69,298 cases; 24,855 (36%) were asymptomatic or tested the same day as onset (early diagnosis), 21,310 (31%) reported testing one day after, and 23,133 (33%) did so two or more days after the onset of symptoms. The median lag was 2 days (1−14). Early diagnosis significantly differed among age groups (p-value < 0.001) and was higher among children. For every one-year increase of age, the odds of an early diagnosis were reduced by 1%. Cases exposed during training activities or in settings such as accommodation centers and hospitals were more frequently diagnosed early. The percentage of persons having a positive self-test before a rapid test/PCR diagnosis ranged from 7% in the age group of 60 years and above to 86% in the age group of 5−17 years. The provision of self-tests in schools and increased testing in closed settings led to an earlier diagnosis and probably to a decreased transmission of the virus in the period during which Delta was the predominant variant in Greece. However, more effort is needed for early diagnosis of adults in the community, especially after the onset of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maria Gkova
- National Public Health Organization, 15123 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Vassiliki Papaevangelou
- Third Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Attikon, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- 34th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Gordon AL, Spilsbury K, Achterberg WP, Adams R, Jones L, Goodman C. From Warkworth House to the 21st century care homes: progress marked by persistent challenges. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6648795. [PMID: 35871527 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term care homes play an essential role within health and social care. Successful measures to support older people at home for longer have led to increased prevalence of disability, frailty and cognitive impairment in those who live in care homes over the last two decades. The need for care home places is projected to increase for the next two decades. Modern care homes provide care for people who are predominantly over 80, have multiple long-term conditions, take multiple medicines, are physically dependent and live with cognitive impairment. Residents do better when services recognise the contributions of staff and care home providers rather than treating residents as individual patients living in a communal setting. There is a strong case given residents' frailty, multimorbidity and disability, that care should be structured around Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Care should be designed to allow opportunities for multiprofessional teams to come together for CGA, particularly if healthcare professionals are based outside care homes. Good data about care homes and residents are central to efforts to deliver high quality care-in some countries, these data are collected but not collated. Collating such data is a priority. Care home staff are under-recognised and underpaid-parity of pay and opportunity with NHS staff is the bare minimum to ensure that the best are recruited and retained in the sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, residents and relatives have frequently been left out of decisions about policies that affect them, and better consultation is needed to deliver high quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Gordon
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences (IRIS), School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham DE22 3NE, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands (ARC-EM), Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Karen Spilsbury
- School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9DA, UK.,NIHR Yorkshire and Humber Applied Research Collaboration, Leeds LS2 9DA, UK
| | - Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Rich Adams
- Sears Healthcare Ltd, Newbury RG14 1JN, UK
| | - Liz Jones
- National Care Forum, London CV1 2TE, UK
| | - Claire Goodman
- Centre for Research in Public Health and Community Care (CRIPACC), University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK.,NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East of England (ARC-EoE), Cambridge CB2 8AH, UK
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39
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Orlando S, Mazhari T, Abbondanzieri A, Cerone G, Ciccacci F, Liotta G, Mancinelli S, Marazzi MC, Palombi L. Characteristics of nursing homes and early preventive measures associated with risk of infection from COVID-19 in Lazio region, Italy: a retrospective case-control study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061784. [PMID: 35667726 PMCID: PMC9170802 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand which organisational-structural characteristics of nursing homes-also referred to as long-term care facilities (LTCFs)-and the preventative measures adopted in response to the pandemic are associated with the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak. SETTING LTCFs in Lazio region in Italy. DESIGN The study adopts a case-control design. PARTICIPANTS We included 141 facilities and 100 provided information for the study. Cases were defined as facilities reporting a COVID-19 outbreak (two or more cases) in March-December 2020; controls were defined as LTCFs reporting one case or zero. The exposures include the structural-organisational characteristics of the LTCFs as reported by the facilities, preventative measures employed and relevant external factors. RESULTS Twenty facilities reported an outbreak of COVID-19. In binary logistic regression models, facilities with more than 15 beds were five times more likely to experience an outbreak than facilities with less than 15 beds OR=5.60 (CI 1.61 to 25.12; p value 0.002); admitting new residents to facilities was associated with a substantially higher risk of an outbreak: 6.46 (CI 1.58 to 27.58, p value 0.004). In a multivariable analysis, facility size was the only variable that was significantly associated with a COVID-19 outbreak OR= 5.37 (CI 1.58 to 22.8; p value 0.012) for larger facilities (>15 beds) versus smaller (<15 beds). Other characteristics and measures were not associated with an outbreak. CONCLUSION There was evidence of a higher risk of COVID-19 in larger facilities and when new patients were admitted during the pandemic. All other structural-organisational characteristics and preventative measures were not associated with an outbreak. This finding calls into question existing policies, especially where there is a risk of harm to residents. One such example is the restriction of visitor access to facilities, resulting in the social isolation of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Orlando
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tuba Mazhari
- School of Population Health & Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alessio Abbondanzieri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
- Prevention department, public health services, ASL Roma 5, Tivoli, Lazio, Italy
| | - Gennaro Cerone
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
- Prevention department, public health services, ASL Roma 5, Tivoli, Lazio, Italy
| | - Fausto Ciccacci
- Unicamillus, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Liotta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Sandro Mancinelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Palombi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
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Arendse T, Cowper B, Cohen C, Masha M, Tempia S, Legodu C, Singh S, Ratau T, Geffen L, Heymans A, Coetzer D, Blumberg L, Jassat W. SARS-CoV-2 cases reported from long-term residential facilities (care homes) in South Africa: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1035. [PMID: 35606732 PMCID: PMC9126632 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13403-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, long-term care facilities (LTCFs) experienced a large burden of deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to describe the temporal trends as well as the characteristics and risk factors for mortality among residents and staff who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in selected LTCFs across South Africa. Method We analysed data reported to the DATCOV sentinel surveillance system by 45 LTCFs. Outbreaks in LTCFs were defined as large if more than one-third of residents and staff had been infected or there were more than 20 epidemiologically linked cases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for mortality amongst LTCF residents. Results A total of 2324 SARS-CoV-2 cases were reported from 5 March 2020 through 31 July 2021; 1504 (65%) were residents and 820 (35%) staff. Among LTCFs, 6 reported sporadic cases and 39 experienced outbreaks. Of those reporting outbreaks, 10 (26%) reported one and 29 (74%) reported more than one outbreak. There were 48 (66.7%) small outbreaks and 24 (33.3%) large outbreaks reported. There were 30 outbreaks reported in the first wave, 21 in the second wave and 15 in the third wave, with 6 outbreaks reporting between waves. There were 1259 cases during the first COVID-19 wave, 362 during the second wave, and 299 during the current third wave. The case fatality ratio was 9% (138/1504) among residents and 0.5% (4/820) among staff. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 mortality among LTCF residents were age 40–59 years, 60–79 years and ≥ 80 years compared to < 40 years and being a resident in a LTCF in Free State or Northern Cape compared to Western Cape. Compared to pre-wave 1, there was a decreased risk of mortality in wave 1, post-wave 1, wave 2, post-wave 2 and wave 3. Conclusion The analysis of SARS-CoV-2 cases in sentinel LTCFs in South Africa points to an encouraging trend of decreasing numbers of outbreaks, cases and risk for mortality since the first wave. LTCFs are likely to have learnt from international experience and adopted national protocols, which include improved measures to limit transmission and administer early and appropriate clinical care. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13403-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Arendse
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | | | - Cheryl Cohen
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Maureen Masha
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stefano Tempia
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Civil Legodu
- National Department of Social Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sandhya Singh
- National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Leon Geffen
- Samson Institute for Ageing Research, Cape Town, South Africa.,Albertina & Walter Sisulu Institute of Ageing in Africa, Geriatrics Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ansie Heymans
- South African Council for Social Workers, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dane Coetzer
- South African Nursing Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lucille Blumberg
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Waasila Jassat
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Right to Care, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Walsh B, Connolly S, Wren MA, Hill L. Supporting sustainable long-term residential care in Ireland: a study protocol for the Sustainable Residential Care (SRC) project. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:30. [PMID: 35571226 PMCID: PMC9086518 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13543.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought to the fore deficiencies in the long-term residential care (LTRC) sector, including issues of governance, funding and staffing. Many of these issues pre-dated the pandemic and have contributed to concerns around the sustainability of the current model of LTRC in Ireland. The aim of the project detailed in this protocol is to provide an evidence base to help ensure the sustainability of the LTRC sector in Ireland within a new wider model of care for older people. The project includes three key objectives: (i) to describe and analyse the characteristics of LTRC homes across Ireland; (ii) to examine the association between LTRC home characteristics and COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths and (iii) to identify challenges to the sustainability of the LTRC sector within a COVID-19 environment and beyond. Bringing together the findings from these three objectives, the project will identify approaches and strategies which will help ensure the sustainability of LTRC that meets the needs of residents. The proposed research incorporates quantitative analyses and a review. Combining data from a variety of administration sources and using a variety of statistical techniques, the project will include a retrospective observational analysis of COVID-19 in LTRC homes in Ireland. Subsequently, a review will examine the current funding model of LTRC in Ireland, as well as the regulations and governance structure that underlie the system. The review will also examine international practices in these areas. Bringing together the findings from the quantitative analysis and the review and working with the knowledge users on the project, the project will build upon recent work in the area to identify the current challenges to the system of LTRC and possible solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Walsh
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sheelah Connolly
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maev-Ann Wren
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leonie Hill
- Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
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Yang H, Rigsby M, Zhu X, Lee C, Ory M. COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Rapid Review of Infection Correlates and Impacts on Mental Health and Behaviors. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2022; 15:277-294. [PMID: 35411795 DOI: 10.1177/19375867221092149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) with compact, group-living arrangements have become COVID-19 hot spots during the pandemic. Systematic research is needed to understand factors associated with COVID-19 infections in LTCFs and the inadvertent effects of preventive measures adopted by LTCFs. OBJECTIVES This rapid review identifies factors associated with LTCF residents' COVID-19 infections and the impacts of the pandemic and the corresponding preventive measures on residents' mental health and behavioral problems. METHODS Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, we identified and reviewed relevant literature in Medline, PsycINFO, and AgeLine. RESULTS Thirty-seven articles were identified and reviewed, including 30 reporting factors associated with COVID-19 infections in LTCFs and seven reporting the impact of the pandemic and corresponding prevention measures on LTCF residents. Results revealed four domains of factors associated with COVID-19 infections: facility physical environments, resident characteristics, facility management and testing, and community factors. The pandemic and infection control measures increased residents' depression, anxiety, loneliness, and behavioral problems (e.g., agitation, hallucinations). Residents without cognitive impairments were more vulnerable to these adverse effects. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS LTCF managers/policymakers and healthcare designers can help mitigate COVID-19 infections by (1) providing additional resources to vulnerable LTCFs; (2) enhancing the training of personal protective equipment use and guideline compliance; and (3) investing in amenities, such as sinks, quarantine rooms, and outdoor spaces. Digital activities and accessible green spaces can mitigate mental health and behavior issues. Future LTCF design can benefit from flexible spaces, natural ventilation, and reducing crowding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyue Yang
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Matilin Rigsby
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Xuemei Zhu
- Department of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Chanam Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Marcia Ory
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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43
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Gordon AL, Achterberg WP, van Delden JJM. Mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 for health and social care workers caring for older people. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6568530. [PMID: 35421214 PMCID: PMC9047223 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly adversely affected older people with frailty and functional dependency. Essential regular contact with care staff has been evidenced as an important source of infection for this group. Vaccinating care staff can reduce the incidence, duration and severity of infection, preventing onward transmission to older people and minimising the harm associated with discontinuity caused by staff absence. Voluntary vaccination programmes for staff are more likely to be effective when associated with information and education, community engagement and financial incentives but programmes using all of these approaches have failed to establish consistently high vaccination rates in care staff during the pandemic. Mandatory vaccination, proposed as a solution in some countries, can increase vaccination rates. It is only ethical if a vaccine is effective and cost-effective, the risk associated with vaccinating care workers is proportionate to the risk reduction achieved through vaccination, and where all efforts to encourage voluntary vaccination have been exhausted. Even when these conditions have been met, careful attention is required to ensure that the penalties associated with conscientious objection are proportionate, and to ensure that implementation is equitable, in a way that does not disadvantage particular groups of staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Gordon
- Academic Unit of Injury, Inflammation and Recovery Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands (ARC-EM), Nottingham, UK
| | - Wilco P Achterberg
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- University Network for the Care Sector Suid-Holland, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes J M van Delden
- Department of Medical Humanities, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Arnedo-Pena A, Romeu-Garcia MA, Gascó-Laborda JC, Meseguer-Ferrer N, Safont-Adsuara L, Prades-Vila L, Flores-Medina M, Rusen V, Tirado-Balaguer MD, Sabater-Vidal S, Gil-Fortuño M, Pérez-Olaso O, Hernández-Pérez N, Moreno-Muñoz R, Bellido-Blasco J. Incidence, Mortality, and Risk Factors of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes. EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2022; 3:179-190. [PMID: 36417250 PMCID: PMC9620907 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During the period from March 2020 to January 2021, we performed an analysis of incidence, mortality, and risk factors of COVID-19 in nursing homes (NHs) in two health departments (HDs) of Castellon (Spain) 2021 through epidemiological surveillance and an ecological design. Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, cumulative incidence rate (CIR), and mortality rate (MR) of 27 NHs were collected. Information of residents, staff, and facilities was obtained by questionnaire. Multilevel Poisson regression models were applied. All NHs in the HDs participated with 2229 residents (median: 83 years old, 67.3% women) and 1666 staff. Among residents, 815 cases (CIR: 34.8 per 100) and 202 deaths (MR: 8.7 per 100, case fatality 21.0%) were reported and, among staff, 296 cases (CIR: 19.2 per 100) without deaths. Residents' CIR and MR increased with staff CIR, age of the building, residents/staff ratios, occupancy rate, and crowding index; CIR increased with private NH ownership, large NH size, large urban area, and the percentage of women residents; and MR was associated with residents' severe disabilities. In conclusion, several risk factors of COVID-19 incidence and mortality can be prevented by improving infection and quality controls, ameliorating residents/staff ratios, improving structural facilities, and increasing NH public ownership to avoid new outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Arnedo-Pena
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.A.R.-G.); (J.C.G.-L.); (N.M.-F.); (L.S.-A.); (V.R.); (J.B.-B.)
- Public Health and Epidemiology (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Health Science, Public University of Navarra, 31006 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Angeles Romeu-Garcia
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.A.R.-G.); (J.C.G.-L.); (N.M.-F.); (L.S.-A.); (V.R.); (J.B.-B.)
| | - Juan Carlos Gascó-Laborda
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.A.R.-G.); (J.C.G.-L.); (N.M.-F.); (L.S.-A.); (V.R.); (J.B.-B.)
| | - Noemi Meseguer-Ferrer
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.A.R.-G.); (J.C.G.-L.); (N.M.-F.); (L.S.-A.); (V.R.); (J.B.-B.)
| | - Lourdes Safont-Adsuara
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.A.R.-G.); (J.C.G.-L.); (N.M.-F.); (L.S.-A.); (V.R.); (J.B.-B.)
| | - Laura Prades-Vila
- Health Programs, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (L.P.-V.); (M.F.-M.)
| | - Matilde Flores-Medina
- Health Programs, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (L.P.-V.); (M.F.-M.)
| | - Viorica Rusen
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.A.R.-G.); (J.C.G.-L.); (N.M.-F.); (L.S.-A.); (V.R.); (J.B.-B.)
| | | | - Susana Sabater-Vidal
- Microbiology Laboratory, Universitary General Hospital, 12004 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.D.T.-B.); (S.S.-V.)
| | - Maria Gil-Fortuño
- Clinical Analysis and Microbiology Laboratory, Universitary Hospital de la Plana, 12540 Vila-Real, Spain; (M.G.-F.); (O.P.-O.); (N.H.-P.)
| | - Oscar Pérez-Olaso
- Clinical Analysis and Microbiology Laboratory, Universitary Hospital de la Plana, 12540 Vila-Real, Spain; (M.G.-F.); (O.P.-O.); (N.H.-P.)
| | - Noelia Hernández-Pérez
- Clinical Analysis and Microbiology Laboratory, Universitary Hospital de la Plana, 12540 Vila-Real, Spain; (M.G.-F.); (O.P.-O.); (N.H.-P.)
| | - Rosario Moreno-Muñoz
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jaume I University, 12006 Castelló de la Plana, Spain;
| | - Juan Bellido-Blasco
- Epidemiology Division, Public Health Center, 12003 Castelló de la Plana, Spain; (M.A.R.-G.); (J.C.G.-L.); (N.M.-F.); (L.S.-A.); (V.R.); (J.B.-B.)
- Public Health and Epidemiology (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Jaume I University, 12006 Castelló de la Plana, Spain;
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Aem L, Morath LP, Burström B, Schön P, Agerholm J. The impact of organisational characteristics of staff and facility on infectious disease outbreaks in care homes: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:339. [PMID: 35291990 PMCID: PMC8921437 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07481-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious disease outbreaks are common in care homes, often with substantial impact on the rates of infection and mortality of the residents, who primarily are older people vulnerable to infections. There is growing evidence that organisational characteristics of staff and facility might play a role in infectious disease outbreaks however such evidence have not previously been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this systematic review aims to examine the impact of facility and staff characteristics on the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in care homes. METHODS Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, ProQuest, Web of Science, CINAHL) were searched. Studies considered for inclusion were of any design reporting on an outbreak of any infectious disease in one or more care homes providing care for primarily older people with original data on: facility size, facility location (urban/rural), facility design, use of temporary hired staff, staff compartmentalizing, residence of staff, and/or nursing aides hours per resident. Retrieved studies were screened, assessed for quality using CASP, and analysed employing a narrative synthesis. RESULTS Sixteen studies (8 cohort studies, 6 cross-sectional studies, 2 case-control) were included from the search which generated 10,424 unique records. COVID-19 was the most commonly reported cause of outbreak (n = 11). The other studies focused on influenza, respiratory and gastrointestinal outbreaks. Most studies reported on the impact of facility size (n = 11) followed by facility design (n = 4), use of temporary hired staff (n = 3), facility location (n = 2), staff compartmentalizing (n = 2), nurse aides hours (n = 2) and residence of staff (n = 1). Findings suggest that urban location and larger facility size may be associated with greater risks of an infectious disease outbreak. Additionally, the risk of a larger outbreak seems lower in larger facilities. Whilst staff compartmentalizing may be associated with lower risk of an outbreak, staff residing in highly infected areas may be associated with greater risk of outbreak. The influence of facility design, use of temporary staff, and nurse aides hours remains unclear. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review suggests that larger facilities have greater risks of infectious disease outbreaks, yet the risk of a larger outbreak seems lower in larger facilities. Due to lack of robust findings the impact of facility and staff characteristics on infectious disease outbreaks remain largely unknown. PROSPERO CRD42020213585 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Liljas Aem
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
| | - L P Morath
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - B Burström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - P Schön
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - J Agerholm
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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46
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Sims S, Harris R, Hussein S, Rafferty AM, Desai A, Palmer S, Brearley S, Adams R, Rees L, Fitzpatrick JM. Social Distancing and Isolation Strategies to Prevent and Control the Transmission of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases in Care Homes for Older People: An International Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3450. [PMID: 35329137 PMCID: PMC8955170 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Older people living in care homes are at high risk of poor health outcomes and mortality if they contract COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. Measures used to protect residents include social distancing and isolation, although implementation is challenging. This review aimed to assess the social distancing and isolation strategies used by care homes to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Seven electronic databases were searched: Medline, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, HMIC, Social Care Online, and Web of Science Core Collection. Grey literature was searched using MedRxiv, PDQ-Evidence, NICE Evidence Search, LTCCovid19.org and TRIP. Extracted data were synthesised using narrative synthesis and tabulation. 103 papers were included (10 empirical studies, seven literature reviews, and 86 policy documents). Strategies used to prevent and control the transmission of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases included social distancing and isolation of residents and staff, zoning and cohorting of residents, restriction of resident movement/activities, restriction of visitors and restriction of staff working patterns. This review demonstrates a lack of empirical evidence and the limited nature of policy documentation around social distancing and isolation measures in care homes. Evaluative research on these interventions is needed urgently, focusing on the well-being of all residents, particularly those with hearing, vision or cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sims
- The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8WA, UK; (S.S.); (R.H.); (A.M.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Ruth Harris
- The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8WA, UK; (S.S.); (R.H.); (A.M.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Shereen Hussein
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
| | - Anne Marie Rafferty
- The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8WA, UK; (S.S.); (R.H.); (A.M.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Amit Desai
- The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8WA, UK; (S.S.); (R.H.); (A.M.R.); (A.D.)
| | - Sinead Palmer
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK;
| | - Sally Brearley
- School of Nursing, Kingston University and St George’s University London, London SW17 0RE, UK;
| | | | - Lindsay Rees
- Encore Care Homes Management Ltd., Bournemouth BH8 9RL, UK;
| | - Joanne M. Fitzpatrick
- The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care, King’s College London, London SE1 8WA, UK; (S.S.); (R.H.); (A.M.R.); (A.D.)
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47
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Franzosa E, Mak W, R Burack O, Hokenstad A, Wiggins F, Boockvar KS, Reinhardt JP. Perspectives of certified nursing assistants and administrators on staffing the nursing home frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Serv Res 2022; 57:905-913. [PMID: 35274293 PMCID: PMC9111312 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify best practices to support and grow the frontline nursing home workforce based on the lived experience of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and administrators during COVID‐19. Study setting Primary data collection with CNAs and administrators in six New York metro area nursing homes during fall 2020. Study design Semi‐structured interviews and focus groups exploring staffing challenges during COVID‐19, strategies used to address them, and recommendations moving forward. Data collection We conducted interviews with 6 administrators and held 10 focus groups with day and evening shift CNAs (n = 56) at 6 nursing homes. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed through directed content analysis using a combined inductive and deductive approach to compare perceptions across sites and roles. Principal findings CNAs and administrators identified chronic staffing shortages that affected resident care and staff burnout as a primary concern moving forward. CNAs who felt most supported and confident in their continued ability to manage their work and the pandemic described leadership efforts to support workers' emotional health and work–life balance, teamwork across staff and management, and accessible and responsive leadership. However, not all CNAs felt these strategies were in place. Conclusions Based on priorities identified by CNAs and administrators, we recommend several organizational/industry and policy‐level practices to support retention for this workforce. Practices to stabilize the workforce should include 1) teamwork and person‐centered operational practices including transparent communication; 2) increasing permanent staff to avoid shortages; and 3) evaluating and building on successful COVID‐related innovations (self‐managed teams and flexible benefits). Policy and regulatory changes to promote these efforts are necessary to developing industry‐wide structural practices that target CNA recruitment and retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Franzosa
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Wingyun Mak
- The New Jewish Home Research Institute on Aging, New York, New York, USA
| | - Orah R Burack
- The New Jewish Home Research Institute on Aging, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alene Hokenstad
- Ladders to Value Workforce Investment Organization, 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, New York, New York, USA
| | - Faith Wiggins
- 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kenneth S Boockvar
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Joann P Reinhardt
- The New Jewish Home Research Institute on Aging, New York, New York, USA
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48
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Schultze A, Nightingale E, Evans D, Hulme W, Rosello A, Bates C, Cockburn J, MacKenna B, Curtis HJ, Morton CE, Croker R, Bacon S, McDonald HI, Rentsch CT, Bhaskaran K, Mathur R, Tomlinson LA, Williamson EJ, Forbes H, Tazare J, Grint D, Walker AJ, Inglesby P, DeVito NJ, Mehrkar A, Hickman G, Davy S, Ward T, Fisher L, Green ACA, Wing K, Wong AYS, McManus R, Parry J, Hester F, Harper S, Evans SJW, Douglas IJ, Smeeth L, Eggo RM, Goldacre B, Leon DA. Mortality among Care Home Residents in England during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study of 4.3 million adults over the age of 65. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2022; 14:100295. [PMID: 35036983 PMCID: PMC8743167 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residents in care homes have been severely impacted by COVID-19. We describe trends in the mortality risk among residents of care homes compared to private homes. METHODS On behalf of NHS England we used OpenSAFELY-TPP to calculate monthly age-standardised risks of death due to all causes and COVID-19 among adults aged >=65 years between 1/2/2019 and 31/03/2021. Care home residents were identified using linkage to Care and Quality Commission data. FINDINGS We included 4,340,648 people aged 65 years or older on the 1st of February 2019, 2.2% of whom were classified as residing in a care or nursing home. Age-standardised mortality risks were approximately 10 times higher among care home residents compared to those in private housing in February 2019: comparative mortality figure (CMF) = 10.59 (95%CI = 9.51, 11.81) among women, and 10.87 (9.93, 11.90) among men. By April 2020 these relative differences had increased to more than 17 times with CMFs of 17.57 (16.43, 18.79) among women and 18.17 (17.22, 19.17) among men. CMFs did not increase during the second wave, despite a rise in the absolute age-standardised COVID-19 mortality risks. INTERPRETATION COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on the mortality of care home residents in England compared to older residents of private homes, but only in the first wave. This may be explained by a degree of acquired immunity, improved protective measures or changes in the underlying frailty of the populations. The care home population should be prioritised for measures aimed at controlling COVID-19. FUNDING Medical Research Council MR/V015737/1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schultze
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Emily Nightingale
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - David Evans
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - William Hulme
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Alicia Rosello
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Chris Bates
- TPP, TPP House, 129 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5PX
| | | | - Brian MacKenna
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Helen J Curtis
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Caroline E Morton
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Richard Croker
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Seb Bacon
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Helen I McDonald
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | | | - Krishnan Bhaskaran
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Rohini Mathur
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Laurie A Tomlinson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | | | - Harriet Forbes
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - John Tazare
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Daniel Grint
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Alex J Walker
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Peter Inglesby
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Nicholas J DeVito
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Amir Mehrkar
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - George Hickman
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Simon Davy
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Tom Ward
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Louis Fisher
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Amelia CA Green
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - Kevin Wing
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Angel YS Wong
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Robert McManus
- TPP, TPP House, 129 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5PX
| | - John Parry
- TPP, TPP House, 129 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5PX
| | - Frank Hester
- TPP, TPP House, 129 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5PX
| | - Sam Harper
- TPP, TPP House, 129 Low Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5PX
| | - Stephen JW Evans
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Ian J Douglas
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Liam Smeeth
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Rosalind M Eggo
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
| | - Ben Goldacre
- The DataLab, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX26GG
| | - David A Leon
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- International Laboratory For Population and Health, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
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49
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Levin AT, Jylhävä J, Religa D, Shallcross L. COVID-19 prevalence and mortality in longer-term care facilities. Eur J Epidemiol 2022; 37:227-234. [PMID: 35397704 PMCID: PMC8994824 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-022-00861-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This essay considers the factors that have contributed to very high COVID-19 mortality in longer-term care facilities (LTCFs). We compare the demographic characteristics of LTCF residents with those of community-dwelling older adults, and then we review the evidence regarding prevalence and infection fatality rates (IFRs), including links to frailty and some comorbidities. Finally, we discuss policy measures that could foster the physical and mental health and well-being of LTCF residents in the present context and in potential future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Levin
- Dartmouth College, Hanover, USA.
- National Bureau for Economic Research, Cambridge, USA.
- Center for Economic Policy Research, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Juulia Jylhävä
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Dorota Religa
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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50
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Factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in Belgian nursing homes' residents during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Epidemiol Infect 2022; 150:e72. [PMID: 35403594 PMCID: PMC9002144 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268822000334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In April 2020, Belgium experienced high numbers of fatal COVID-19 cases among nursing home (NH) residents. In response, a mass testing campaign was organised testing all NH residents and staff. We analysed the data of Flemish NHs to identify institutional factors associated with increased SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among NH residents. Cross-sectional study was conducted between 8 April and 15 May 2020. Data collected included demographics, group category (i.e. staff or resident), symptom status and test result. We retrieved additional data: number of beds and staff, type of beds (level of dependency of residents) and ownership (public, private for profit/non-profit institutions). Risk factor analysis was performed using negative binomial regression. In total, 695 NHs were included, 282 (41%) had at least one resident tested positive. Higher infection rate among residents was associated with a higher fraction of RVT beds, generally occupied by more dependent residents (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.97; 95% CI 1.00–3.86) and higher staff infection rate (IRR 1.89; 95% CI 1.68–2.12). No relationship was found between other investigated NH characteristics and infection rate among residents. Staff-resident interactions are key in SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics. Vaccination, regular staff testing, assessment of infection prevention and control strategies in all NHs are needed to face future SARS-CoV-2 epidemics in these settings.
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