Lessons from COVID-19 in Taiwan's long-term care facilities: A narrative review

The coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately impacted long-term care facilities (LTCFs), revealing vulnerabilities due to residents' advanced age, comorbidities, and facility infrastructures. In Taiwan, the Central Epidemic Control Center implemented a range of strategies to protect LTCF residents. These included early containment measures to allow time for preparing pharmaceutical intervention, the establishment of infection prevention and control guidelines, the implementation of comprehensive screening and testing protocols, the prioritization of vaccination for both residents and staff, and the expansion of the national stockpile of oral antiviral agents. Measures also addressed protective personal equipment shortages, staffing challenges, integration between social and healthcare services, and accessibility of oral anti-viral agents. All measures were made and adjusted based on community prevalence, evolving knowledge about the virus, and balancing the negative impacts on LTCF residents. These multifaceted efforts effectively mitigated transmission, maintained essential healthcare services, and supported LTCF staff, demonstrating the critical importance of coordinated, adaptive strategies in managing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations in LTCFs. By learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, we can develop more effective and resilient responses for managing future epidemics in LTCFs in Taiwan.