A Local COVID-19 Support Platform for Nursing Homes: Feedback and Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Infectious Disease Control
• Public Health

Background:

• Nursing homes (NHs) faced significant challenges managing COVID-19 due to unpreparedness for infection control among vulnerable residents.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid implementation of support systems for healthcare facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the establishment and interventions of a Local Support Platform (LSP) designed to assist nursing homes in managing COVID-19.
• To quantify the utilization of LSP services by nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary decision support system was established.
• A specialist phone hotline was implemented for immediate expert consultation.
• Mobile geriatric medicine teams were deployed to provide on-site support.
• Videoconferences were conducted to disseminate information and guidance on COVID-19 management.

Main Results:

• The Local Support Platform (LSP) provided 9 instances of multidisciplinary decision support.
• A total of 275 calls were made to the specialist phone hotline.
• Mobile geriatric medicine teams intervened 84 times.
• 16 videoconferences on COVID-19 were conducted across 63 nursing homes.
• The LSP was utilized throughout the first and second waves of the pandemic, adapting to evolving needs.

Conclusions:

• The Local Support Platform (LSP) offered a comprehensive support system for nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The interventions provided by the LSP were essential in helping nursing homes manage COVID-19 cases and adapt to the evolving epidemic.
• The adaptable nature of the LSP highlights its effectiveness in addressing the dynamic challenges faced by nursing homes during public health crises.