COVID-19 Preparedness in Nursing Homes in the Midst of the Pandemic

Date of Review: July, 2021

Quigley DD, Dick A, Agarwal M, Jones KM, Mody L, Stone PW. COVID-19 Preparedness in Nursing Homes in the Midst of the Pandemic. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2020 Jun;68(6):1164-1166. doi: 10.1111/jgs.16520. Epub 2020 May 12. PMID: 32343362; PMCID: PMC7267170.

This paper presents the findings of a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of nursing homes from across USA, focusing on COVID‐19 preparedness. The survey focused on three thematic areas: Guidance and Preparedness; Testing, Supplies, and Staffing; and Financial Effects. The authors conclude that nursing homes re are taking some stpes regarding preparedness, however they are facing challenges in responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic, despite Medicare and Medicaid changes. This is an an important paper regarding health policy, calling for the need for nursing homes to continue refining their preparedness strategies in response to local virus prevalence, resident population, and local regulations. The authors also highlight the importance of state policies on accepting COVID‐19 patients discharged from hospitals. —Memoona Hasnain, MD