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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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Calcaterra L, Cesari M, Lim WS. Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) During the COVID-19 Pandemic-Lessons From the Asian Approach: A Narrative Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2022; 23:399-404. [PMID: 35085508 PMCID: PMC8786410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2022.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic put into question the organizational skills of LTCF. The containment measures implemented in several Asian countries avoided heavy death tolls in LTCF in contrast to other countries across the globe. The aim of this review is therefore to investigate and illustrate the measures that were undertaken in Asia to contain and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in LTCF. DESIGN Narrative review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Asian older subjects institutionalized in LTCF. METHODS Broad literature research from July 2020-April 2021. The following search terms were used: "COVID-19 Nursing homes" AND the country of interest or "contact tracing." Eligible categories for inclusion comprise editorials, reviews, government guidelines, letters to the editor, and perspectives. The COVID-19 measures were then subdivided into different sections and compiled into an evidence table. RESULTS Prompt measures were put into action since the beginning of the pandemic that avoided the spread of COVID-19 in LTCF. Examples range from simple acts of proper hand hygiene and environmental disinfection, swab testing, social distancing, preventive measures on health care workers, organizational measures such as quarantine, outbreak control, visitor restrictions, relationship with acute hospitals, and admission policy. Technology also played a fundamental role in promoting social distancing by using specific robots and in managing contact tracing. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The Asian preventive control guidelines are similar to those recommended elsewhere. Difference in timing and past experience with prior outbreaks such as SARS and MERS might have favored the Asian response. Furthermore, sociocultural values toward older persons by protecting and making sure that LTCF are part of the health care system could have also played a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Calcaterra
- Geriatric Fellowship Program, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Matteo Cesari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Geriatric Unit, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Milan, Italy
| | - Wee Shiong Lim
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Institute of Geriatrics and Active Ageing, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
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Santini S, D’Amen B, Socci M, Di Rosa M, Hanson E, Hlebec V. Difficulties and Needs of Adolescent Young Caregivers of Grandparents in Italy and Slovenia: A Concurrent Mixed-Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052837. [PMID: 35270530 PMCID: PMC8910623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Many adolescent young caregivers (AYCs) care for a grandparent (GrP) with chronic disease, especially in countries with no or low developed long-term care systems and/or level of awareness of and policy responses to young caregivers. This mixed-methods study aimed at shedding light on the needs and difficulties faced by a sample of 162 adolescents aged 15-17, caring for GrPs, living in Italy (87) and Slovenia (75), respectively. A multiple linear regression model was built for the quantitative data. Qualitative data were content analysed using an open coding process. Italian and Slovenian respondents reported a moderate amount of caring activity and relatively high positive caregiving outcomes. Nevertheless, one out of three AYCs reported health problems due to their caring responsibilities. Compared to their Italian counterparts, Slovenian respondents were supported to a lesser extent by public services. Italian respondents faced communicative and practical problems; Slovenian AYCs experienced mainly emotional discomfort. AYCs from both countries requested emotional and practical support from formal services and family networks. Further, Slovenian AYCs requested emotional support and a personalized learning plan from schoolteachers. Support measures aimed at training AYCs of GrPs on geriatric care are recommended to address specific issues related to ageing and long-term care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santini
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (S.S.); (B.D.)
| | - Barbara D’Amen
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (S.S.); (B.D.)
| | - Marco Socci
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy; (S.S.); (B.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mirko Di Rosa
- Laboratory of Geriatric Pharmacoepidemiology, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Elizabeth Hanson
- Department Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, SE-39182 Kalmar, Sweden;
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre, Strömgatan 13, SE-39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Valentina Hlebec
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva Ploščad 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Dykgraaf SH, Matenge S, Desborough J, Sturgiss E, Dut G, Roberts L, McMillan A, Kidd M. Protecting Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities From COVID-19: A Rapid Review of International Evidence. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:1969-1988. [PMID: 34428466 PMCID: PMC8328566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the extreme vulnerability of older people and other individuals who reside in long-term care, creating an urgent need for evidence-based policy that can adequately protect these community members. This study aimed to provide synthesized evidence to support policy decision making. DESIGN Rapid narrative review investigating strategies that have prevented or mitigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission in long-term care. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Residents and staff in care settings such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities. METHODS PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were systematically searched, with studies describing potentially effective strategies included. Studies were excluded if they did not report empirical evidence (eg, commentaries and consensus guidelines). Study quality was appraised on the basis of study design; data were extracted from published reports and synthesized narratively using tabulated data extracts and summary tables. RESULTS Searches yielded 713 articles; 80 papers describing 77 studies were included. Most studies were observational, with no randomized controlled trials identified. Intervention studies provided strong support for widespread surveillance, early identification and response, and rigorous infection prevention and control measures. Symptom- or temperature-based screening and single point-prevalence testing were found to be ineffective, and serial universal testing of residents and staff was considered crucial. Attention to ventilation and environmental management, digital health applications, and acute sector support were also considered beneficial although evidence for effectiveness was lacking. In observational studies, staff represented substantial transmission risk and workforce management strategies were important components of pandemic response. Higher-performing facilities with less crowding and higher nurse staffing ratios had reduced transmission rates. Outbreak investigations suggested that facility-level leadership, intersectoral collaboration, and policy that facilitated access to critical resources were all significant enablers of success. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS High-quality evidence of effectiveness in protecting LTCFs from COVID-19 was limited at the time of this study, though it continues to emerge. Despite widespread COVID-19 vaccination programs in many countries, continuing prevention and mitigation measures may be required to protect vulnerable long-term care residents from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. This rapid review summarizes current evidence regarding strategies that may be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Hall Dykgraaf
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia.
| | - Sethunya Matenge
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Jane Desborough
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Sturgiss
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Garang Dut
- COVID-19 Action Research Team, College of Health & Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Leslee Roberts
- Medical Advisory Unit, Primary Care Division, Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Alison McMillan
- Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra ACT, Australia
| | - Michael Kidd
- Australian Government Department of Health, Canberra ACT, Australia
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Cheng HWB. Combating Coronavirus Disease-2019 Outbreak in Long-Term Care Facilities for Frail Older Adults: Preventive Measures and Palliative Care Go Hand-in-Hand. J Palliat Care 2021; 37:8-12. [PMID: 34459691 DOI: 10.1177/08258597211039364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
While the whole population is at risk from infection with the coronavirus, older people-often frail and subject to multimorbidity-are at the highest risk for the severe and fatal disease. Despite strict infection control and social distancing measures, frail adults in long-term care facilities may be at particular risk of transmission of respiratory illness. Treatment decisions are often complex attributed to the heterogeneity of this population with regards to different geriatric domains such as functional status, comorbidity, and poly-pharmacy. While measures must be taken to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading through these facilities, it is also essential that residents with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have access to the symptom management and support they want and deserve. What most nursing home residents want during the course of their illness is to be able to stay in their facilities, to be surrounded by the people they love most, and to feel relief from their physical and emotional pain. By addressing the limited access to hospice and palliative care delivery in nursing homes, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and pain from COVID-19 as well as lay the groundwork for improving care for all residents moving forward.
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Shum CK, Shea YF, Tang M, Wan WH, Chan MMK. Poor feeding due to visitor restrictions in long-term care facilities during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Psychogeriatrics 2020; 20:929-930. [PMID: 33067899 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Keung Shum
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Yat Fung Shea
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Michael Tang
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Hin Wan
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Maggie Mee Kie Chan
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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