Unanticipated Sparsity of COVID-19 Antiviral Therapies in Nursing Facilities Revealed in New Research
Low Use of Monoclonal Antibodies and Oral Antiviral Drugs in Nursing Homes During COVID-19 Pandemic
A new study published in JAMA today reveals that the use rates of monoclonal antibodies and oral antiviral drugs in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic were lower than expected, given the high-risk nature of the resident population. The study, supported by the National Institute of Aging, analysed data from 15,092 nursing homes in the US over a 19-month period from May 2021 to December 2022.
During this period, there were 763,340 reported resident COVID cases. The study found that various logistical, demographic, and systemic factors contributed to the low use of these treatments.
Challenges in Timely Diagnosis, Limited Access, and Variability in Facility Capacity
Monoclonal antibody and oral antiviral treatments are most effective when given within a few days of symptom onset, requiring rapid testing and diagnosis. However, nursing homes often faced delays in testing or symptom recognition, reducing treatment eligibility. Additionally, many nursing homes lacked the necessary clinical infrastructure and trained staff to administer treatments promptly.
Demographic and Ownership Differences
The study also found that facilities serving larger minority populations or lower-income residents tended to have lower treatment rates, potentially due to systemic inequities in access to healthcare resources and services. Similarly, ownership type (for-profit vs. non-profit) influenced allocation of resources and treatment adoption, with non-profit facilities sometimes demonstrating higher uptake due to different priorities or external support.
Awareness and Implementation Barriers
Some staff and clinicians had limited awareness or hesitancy about new treatments amid changing guidelines, and coordination between prescribing clinicians and specialty pharmacies or delivery units was sometimes insufficient.
Key Findings
By the end of 2022, 40 percent of nursing homes reported that they had never used any antiviral treatments. The use of these drugs improved slightly to one in four COVID cases after the authorization of oral treatments, which are easier to administer and widely available by the end of 2022. However, only 18 percent of COVID cases in nursing homes received an antiviral treatment during the study period.
The authors note that the low use of antiviral COVID treatments in nursing homes is particularly alarming, given that almost all nursing home residents meet clinical guidelines to be considered for treatment with antivirals. The study used data compiled by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network.
The study was authored by Brian McGarry and collaborators at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Harvard University, with additional authors including Benjamin Sommers, Andrew Wilcock, David Grabowski, and Michael Barnett with Harvard University.
- Science has a crucial role in addressing medical conditions, particularly in the development of treatments like monoclonal antibodies and oral antiviral drugs for chronic diseases such as COVID-19.
- Workplace-wellness programs are essential in ensuring access to these treatments and fostering a healthy work environment, especially for high-risk populations like those in nursing homes.
- The impact of untreated medical conditions, such as respiratory conditions and digestive health issues, on the overall well-being of nursing home residents cannot be overstated.
- Eye health and hearing are often overlooked health aspects, but they need just as much attention in nursing homes as other medical conditions.
- Health and wellness, fitness, and exercise routines play a significant role in maintaining the physical and mental health of aging populations, including residents in nursing homes.
- Sexual health is equally important, and addressing sexual health issues in nursing homes alongside other health concerns can contribute to residents' overall quality of life.
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- Climate change, mental health, and neurological disorders are significant factors that impact the health of nursing home residents, requiring the attention of the healthcare industry.
- Mens' and womens' health, with their unique aspects and concerns, warrant special attention from healthcare providers serving in nursing homes.
- Parenting, weight management, and cardiovascular health are essential considerations for nursing home staff, who often care for residents with these health challenges.
- The environment plays a role in the health of nursing home residents, as environmental science focuses on understanding and mitigating health risks associated with the environment.
- Financial matters are a critical aspect of nursing home care, including discussions around Medicare and industries investing in health and wellness solutions.
- CBD and its potential benefits in managing symptoms of various medical conditions may be worth exploring in the context of nursing homes, but further research is needed.
- Therapies and treatments like physical, occupational, and speech therapies are essential for addressing the various health challenges nursing home residents face.
- Nutrition plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of residents and impacts their ability to manage weight and overall wellness.
- Aging brings with it a range of health-related challenges, from skin care and skin conditions to the management of multiple chronic diseases.
- Womens' health encompasses more than just reproductive health and includes issues like osteoporosis and hormonal imbalances, which are common in aging populations.
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- Investing in the right resources and prioritizing wellness in nursing homes can lead to improved health outcomes for residents, from managing weight to supporting mental health.
- Relationships, be they with family members or nursing home staff, play a significant role in residents' emotional well-being and overall health.
- Pets have therapeutic benefits and can improve the quality of life of nursing home residents.
- Travel, either for leisure or medical care, allows nursing home residents to access resources and experiences that can contribute to their overall well-being.
- Maintaining the health of cars is essential, given that they are often needed for traveling to healthcare appointments or family visits.
- Education and self-development are vital in helping nursing home residents maximize their physical and mental abilities.
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- Casino and gambling may not directly impact health, but understanding their role in personal finance and wealth management is crucial.
- General news, sports, and other forms of entertainment can provide residents with a sense of connection to the outside world, contributing to their mental well-being.
