An unprecedented and large-scale support mission to assist residential care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Colas, Anaïs; Baudet, Alexandre; Regad, Marie; Conrath, Élodie; Colombo, Muriel; Florentin, Arnaud

doi:10.1016/j.infpip.2022.100234

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 32 publications

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“…During an active COVID-19 outbreak, staff should be encouraged to take breaks alone, to ensure their PPE remains in situ during all interactions within the facility. [ 42 ] The risk of staff infections has been shown as greater during an outbreak when compared to a COVID-19 ward, which may be in part associated with hand hygiene and PPE compliance [ 43 ]. The attack rate is higher for staff who work closely with residents, such as personal care workers or nursing assistants, when compared to other healthcare workers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why are some outbreaks worse than others? COVID-19 outbreak management strategies from a PHU perspective

2023

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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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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Why are some outbreaks worse than others? COVID-19 outbreak management strategies from a PHU perspective

2023

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SARS-CoV-2 outbreak management in nursing homes in Ireland: reflections of COVID-19 response teams from earlier to later waves of the pandemic

Dashdondog,

O’Moore,

Sezgin

2024

BMC Public Health

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Background A review of key learnings from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in nursing homes in Ireland can inform planning for future pandemics. This study describes barriers and facilitators contributing to COVID-19 outbreak management from the perspective of frontline teams. Methods A qualitative study involving ten online focus group meetings was conducted. Data was collected between April and June 2023. The focus group discussions explored the views, perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 Response Team (CRT) members, clinical/public health experts who worked with them, and care professionals who worked in frontline managerial roles during the pandemic. All nine Community Healthcare Organisations and six Public Health Areas in Ireland were represented. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was carried out using NVivo Pro 20. Results In total, 54 staff members participated in focus group meetings. Five themes were developed from a thematic analysis that covered topics related to (1) infection prevention and control challenges and response to the pandemic, (2) social model of care and the built environment of nursing homes, (3) nursing home staffing, (4) leadership and staff practices, and (5) support and guidance received during the pandemic. Conclusions The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a steep learning curve, internationally and in Ireland. Preparing better for future pandemics not only requires changes to infection control and outbreak response but also to the organisation and operation of nursing homes. There is a great need to strengthen the long-term care sector’s regulations and support around staffing levels, nursing home facilities, governance, use of technology, infection prevention and control, contingency planning, and maintaining collaborative relationships and strategic leadership. Key findings and recommendations from the Irish example can be used to improve the quality of care and service delivery at local, national, and policy levels and improve preparedness for future pandemics, in Ireland and internationally. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-024-20451-7.

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Why are some outbreaks worse than others? COVID-19 outbreak management strategies from a PHU perspective

Hodge

Oversby

McClure

et al. 2022

Preprint

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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 identified 55 COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care facilities in Wide Bay during 2022. Results: Thematic analysis using the framework approach identified several themes and subthemes associated with COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care. 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 affected by communication efficiency, case detection and staff cohorting. Staff shortages were also significantly associated with adverse outcomes regarding attack rate and duration. Conclusions: This emphasises the importance of frequent communication between PHUs and RACFs during an active outbreak, as well as the need for 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 during future periods of viral transmission, to ultimately reduce the associated burden of disease.

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An unprecedented and large-scale support mission to assist residential care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 3 publications

References 32 publications

Why are some outbreaks worse than others? COVID-19 outbreak management strategies from a PHU perspective

Why are some outbreaks worse than others? COVID-19 outbreak management strategies from a PHU perspective

SARS-CoV-2 outbreak management in nursing homes in Ireland: reflections of COVID-19 response teams from earlier to later waves of the pandemic

Why are some outbreaks worse than others? COVID-19 outbreak management strategies from a PHU perspective

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