Health Affairs Age-Friendly Health Paper: Larger Nursing Home Staff Size Linked to Higher Number Of COVID-19 Cases In 2020
Health Affairs has published a paper as part of its Age-Friendly Health series titled "Larger Nursing Home Staff Size Linked to Higher Number Of COVID-19 Cases In 2020."
The researchers used detailed national staffing data to examine how the number of unique staff members might influence the likelihood of COVID-19 cases and deaths in nursing homes. A strong association was found between the number of unique staff members working in a facility on a given day and COVID-19 outcomes. According to the study, by the end of September 2020 nursing homes with the largest numbers of unique staff members had cumulative resident case rates that were 92 percent higher than those of facilities with the fewest unique staff members, as well cumulative staff rates that were 69 percent higher and resident death rates that were 133 percent higher.
“Our findings suggest that...nursing homes that can provide...staff hours with fewer unique staff members will be better able to protect their residents from COVID-19,” the authors conclude. “Policy makers should encourage policies that promote the use of full-time and more consistent staff while maintaining sufficient direct caregivers to provide safe and effective care for residents.”
The Age-Friendly Health series runs through June 30, 2022. Authors are encouraged to submit articles and blogs on topics related to age-friendly care, family caregiving, and serious illness and end-of-life care, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and health care equity and disparities. Learn more about submissions and read other Age-Friendly Health series articles.
To go to the abstract, click here.
To go to Health Affairs Age-Friendly Health series, click here.
To learn more about JAHF's support, click here.
