A National Nursing Home COVID Action Network is being established by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in partnership with the University of New Mexico's ECHO Institute, which will help give free training to nursing homes in the nation.
"Protecting vulnerable older Americans in nursing homes is a central part of our fight against COVID-19, and we’ve learned that improving infection control in many nursing homes is not a matter of will but of skill," HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a press release from AHRQ. "AHRQ is deploying its unique expertise in partnership with Project ECHO and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) to help nursing homes protect both their residents and staff from the virus, slowing the spread and saving lives."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable populations to the virus, especially with their living conditions and underlying conditions of frailty. This is why it's important to have staff that can properly and safely care for them during this time.
"Expanding the use of proven safety practices will directly benefit nursing home residents and staff members and help save lives," AHRQ Director Gopal Khanna, M.B.A., said in the AHRQ press release. "AHRQ has a proven track record of producing science and research to address critical needs such as responding to COVID-19 and achieving 21st century care for all Americans. We are pleased to be working with the ECHO Institute and IHI on this new initiative."
The network curriculum will cover topics to help keep nursing home residents safe during this time. This includes: The best practices in the use of personal protective equipment; making a safe environment for the residents during the pandemic by using infection control practices; minimizing the spread of the virus; testing residents for the coronavirus; having clinical management of asymptomatic and mild cases of the virus; and managing isolation during the pandemic.
"Collaborative education and shared learning is critical for our nonprofit nursing home members on the front line of this pandemic, under often challenging conditions," Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, said in the press release. "Access to mentors, local experts, community peers and resources, with a focus on continuous improvement, will go a long way to help mitigate the virus’ spread and ensure the health and safety of older adults."
