Factors associated with adverse outcomes during influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities

Effectiveness of annual influenza campaigns and vaccination in reducing influenza burden in nursing homes of Canton Vaud in Switzerland

BACKGROUND

Influenza infections pose significant risks for nursing home (NH) residents. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the cantonal influenza campaign, and influenza vaccination coverage of residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) on influenza burden in NHs in a context of enhanced infection prevention and control measures (IPC) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

METHODS

We extracted data from epidemic reports provided by our unit to NHs over two consecutive winter seasons (2021-22 and 2022-23) and used linear regression to assess the impact of resident and HCW vaccination coverage, and participation in the campaign, on residents' cumulative influenza incidence and mortality.

RESULTS

Thirty-six NHs reported 155 influenza cases and 21 deaths during the two winter seasons corresponding to 6.2% of infected residents and a case fatality ratio of 13.5%. Median vaccination coverage was 83% for residents, 25.8% for HCWs, while 87% of NHs participated in the campaign. Resident vaccination was significantly associated with a decrease in odds of death (odds ratio (OR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.93-0.99). There was no significant effect of HCW vaccination coverage on resident infections and deaths. Campaign participation was associated with decreased odds of infection and death among residents (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.47 and OR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.17 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests that in a context of reinforced IPC measures, influenza still represents a significant burden for NH residents. The most effective measures in decreasing resident influenza burden in NHs was participation in the cantonal influenza vaccination campaign and resident vaccination.

A Novel Web-Based Application for Influenza and COVID-19 Outbreak Detection and Response in Residential Aged Care Facilities

Unlabelled

The use of innovative digital health technologies in public health is expanding quickly, including the use of these tools in outbreak response. The translation of a digital health innovation into effective public health practice is a complex process requiring diverse enablers across the people, process, and technology domains. This paper describes a novel web-based application that was designed and implemented by a district-level public health authority to assist residential aged care facilities in influenza and COVID-19 outbreak detection and response. It discusses some of the challenges, enablers, and key lessons learned in designing and implementing such a novel application from the perspectives of the public health practitioners (the authors) that undertook this project.

Systematic review of influenza vaccine effectiveness against laboratory-confirmed influenza among older adults living in aged care facilities

We estimated the effectiveness of influenza vaccines in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza among older adults in aged care. Electronic database searches were conducted using search terms, and studies were selected as per the selection criteria. Fourteen studies were included for final review. The studies exhibited considerable variation in reported vaccine effectiveness (VE) across different seasons. Among the observational studies, VE ranged from 7.2% to 89.8% against laboratory-confirmed influenza across different vaccines. Randomized clinical trials demonstrated a 17% reduction in infection rates with the adjuvanted trivalent vaccine. The limitations include the small number of included studies conducted in different countries or regions, varied seasons, variations in diagnostic testing methods, a focus on the A/H3N2 strain, and few studies available on the effectiveness of enhanced influenza vaccines in aged care settings. Despite challenges associated with achieving optimal protection, the studies showed the benefits of influenza vaccination in the elderly residents.

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

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.

Protecting Older Adult Residents in Care Facilities Against Influenza and COVID-19 Using the Influenza Communication, Advice and Reporting (FluCARE) App: Prospective Cohort Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND

Early detection and response to influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care facilities (ACFs) are critical to minimizing health impacts. The Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) Public Health Unit (PHU) has developed and implemented a novel web-based app with integrated functions for online line listings, detection algorithms, and automatic notifications to responders, to assist ACFs in outbreak response. The goal of the Influenza Outbreak Communication, Advice and Reporting (FluCARE) app is to reduce time delays to notifications, which we hope will reduce the spread, duration, and health impacts of an influenza or COVID-19 outbreak, as well as ease workload burdens on ACF staff.

OBJECTIVE

The specific aims of the study were to (1) evaluate the acceptability and user satisfaction of the implementation and use of FluCARE in helping ACFs recognize, notify, and manage influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks in their facility; (2) identify the safety of FluCARE and any potential adverse outcomes of using the app; and (3) identify any perceived barriers or facilitators to the implementation and use of FluCARE from the ACF user perspective.

METHODS

The FluCARE app was piloted from September 2019 to December 2020 in the SLHD. Associated implementation included promotion and engagement, user training, and operational policies. Participating ACF staff were invited to complete a posttraining survey. Staff were also invited to complete a postpilot evaluation survey that included the user Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) measuring app acceptance, utility, and barriers and facilitators to use. An issues log was also prospectively maintained to assess safety. Survey data were analyzed descriptively or via content analysis where appropriate.

RESULTS

Surveys were completed by 31 consenting users from 27 ACFs. FluCARE was rated 3.91 of 5 overall on the uMARS. Of the 31 users, 25 (80%) would definitely use FluCARE for future outbreaks, and all users agreed that the app was useful for identifying influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks at their facilities. There were no reported critical issues with incorrect or missed outbreak detection. User training, particularly online training modules, and technical support were identified as key facilitators to FluCARE use.

CONCLUSIONS

FluCARE is an acceptable, useful, and safe app to assist ACF staff with early detection and response to influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks. This study supports feasibility for ongoing implementation and efficacy evaluation, followed by scale-up into other health districts in New South Wales.

Factors associated with hospitalisations and deaths of residential aged care residents with COVID-19 during the Omicron (BA.1) wave in Queensland

OBJECTIVE

To identify characteristics associated with the hospitalisation and death of people with COVID-19 living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

All confirmed (polymerase chain reaction testing) or probable SARS-CoV-2 infections (rapid antigen tests) in residents of the 86 RACFs in the Metro South Hospital and Health Service area (southeast Queensland), 13 December 2021 - 24 January 2022.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hospitalisation within 14 days or death within 28 days of COVID-19 diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 1071 RACF residents with COVID-19, 151 were hospitalised within 14 days and 126 died within 28 days of diagnosis. Likelihood of death increased with age (per five years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-1.57), but not that of hospitalisation. Men were more likely to be hospitalised (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) or die (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.7-3.6) than women. The likelihood of hospitalisation was greater for those with dementia (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0), heart failure (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7), chronic kidney disease (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5), or asthma (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.8). The likelihood of death was greater for residents with dementia (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.7), diabetes mellitus (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-3.0), heart failure (aOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.3), or chronic lung disease (aOR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7). The likelihood of hospitalisation and death were each higher for residents who had received two or fewer vaccine doses than for those who had received three doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Most characteristics that influenced the likelihood of hospitalisation or death of RACF residents with COVID-19 were non-modifiable factors linked with frailty and general health status. Having received three COVID-19 vaccine doses was associated with much lower likelihood of hospitalisation or death.

Rapid on-site molecular Point of Care Testing during influenza outbreaks in aged care facilities improves antiviral use and reduces hospitalisation

OBJECTIVE

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) measured the utility and validity of rapid molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) in aged care facilities (ACFs) experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks against routine laboratory testing.

METHODS

A descriptive epidemiological study into 82 respiratory outbreaks reported across 63 ACFs within WSLHD supporting approximately 6,500 residents aged ≥65 years and staffed by ∼6,500 employees, from 1 August 2018 to 31 December 2019.

RESULTS

WSLHD Public Health Unit performed on-site testing at 27 ACF outbreaks (34%), while 53(66%) ACFs conducted only routine laboratory testing. The Xpert®Xpress Flu/RSV molecular PCR provided a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. Those with on-site testing, antiviral prophylaxis was prescribed at 75% of facilities within 24 hours of testing, as opposed to 32% of those using laboratory testing (p<0.01). There were 24 of 181 ACF residents hospitalised in the POCT group compared to 76 of 357 in the laboratory-only group (OR=0.57; p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

On-site ACF testing is reliable and practical for early identification of influenza, enabling timely use of antiviral treatment and prophylaxis, and was associated with decreased hospitalisation.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Enhanced respiratory surveillance and on-site testing should be strongly considered as part of routine management of respiratory outbreaks in ACFs and may reduce outbreak severity.

Effectiveness of Oseltamivir Prophylaxis in Influenza Outbreaks in Residential Aged Care

Influenza outbreaks in Aged Care Facilities (ACFs) can lead to hospitalizations and deaths. Influenza can spread rapidly through ACFs if precautionary measures are not taken. Along with influenza vaccination and precautionary hygiene measures, Oseltamivir Prophylaxis (OP) may be effective in reducing the attack rate of influenza by preventing new cases. A cohort study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of OP use during influenza outbreaks in ACFs located within South Western Sydney Local Health District from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2018. The main outcome assessed was the rate of OP failure (new cases of influenza in patients treated with OP) among ACF residents. Subgroups and various predictors of OP failure were investigated including presence of a dementia ward, high care ward, and days to Public Health Unit (PHU) notification. The cohort consisted of 86 ACF outbreaks involving 10,064 residents. OP prevented 90% of influenza cases during influenza outbreaks [0.1 RR (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.12); P < 0.0001]. ACFs with dementia wards had a 44% (0.56 relative risk (RR) (95% CI: 0.34–0.93); P < 0.05) lower OP failure rate. ACFs with high level care had an 87% (0.13 RR (95% CI: 0.05–0.38); P < 0.05) lower OP failure rate. OP is highly effective in preventing new cases of influenza during outbreaks in ACFs, especially in ACFs with dementia or high care wards. Mandatory reporting of influenza outbreaks to PHUs would ensure that ACFs are supported throughout the outbreak, which will facilitate reductions in hospitalizations and mortality.