• Oh I. C.: A Retrospective Analysis for the use of ICARs in Long-Term Care Facilities
Abstract
Background: From 03/01/2020-03/01/2022, 171 COVID-19 outbreaks were reported to Cobb & Douglas Public Health for the long-term care facility setting (LTCFs). Follow up was conducted by the district epidemiologists to identity the suspected source of exposure for residents and staff. Throughout the course of the pandemic, these settings have been experiencing continued spread and numerous COVID-19 outbreaks. Over time, the evolving recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) influenced the state-level guidance for The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), to include the creation of a dedicated guidance document for LTCFs. ICARs were implemented as part of this guidance on a voluntary basis.
Methods: A query was conducted in the Outbreak Log for the GA Department of Public Health (DPH) State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SENDSS). ICARs were reviewed for pertinent information concerning gaps identified for infection control and needed recommendations given.
Results or anticipated results: The anticipated results are that the use of ICARs had a positive effect on the outcome of COVID-19 long-term care facility outbreaks, reducing the spread of illness and multiple forthcoming outbreaks.
Conclusion: Infection control is a pertinent aspect of public health outbreak investigations and the day-to-day process for long-term care facilities. ICARs can be a beneficial asset for all parties involved if recommendations are implemented. Public health professionals and community partners can make use of infection control resources for the betterment of the residents and staff.
Keywords
epidemiology, infection control, environmental health, nursing
• Oh I. C.: A Retrospective Analysis for the use of ICARs in Long-Term Care Facilities
Background: From 03/01/2020-03/01/2022, 171 COVID-19 outbreaks were reported to Cobb & Douglas Public Health for the long-term care facility setting (LTCFs). Follow up was conducted by the district epidemiologists to identity the suspected source of exposure for residents and staff. Throughout the course of the pandemic, these settings have been experiencing continued spread and numerous COVID-19 outbreaks. Over time, the evolving recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) influenced the state-level guidance for The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), to include the creation of a dedicated guidance document for LTCFs. ICARs were implemented as part of this guidance on a voluntary basis.
Methods: A query was conducted in the Outbreak Log for the GA Department of Public Health (DPH) State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SENDSS). ICARs were reviewed for pertinent information concerning gaps identified for infection control and needed recommendations given.
Results or anticipated results: The anticipated results are that the use of ICARs had a positive effect on the outcome of COVID-19 long-term care facility outbreaks, reducing the spread of illness and multiple forthcoming outbreaks.
Conclusion: Infection control is a pertinent aspect of public health outbreak investigations and the day-to-day process for long-term care facilities. ICARs can be a beneficial asset for all parties involved if recommendations are implemented. Public health professionals and community partners can make use of infection control resources for the betterment of the residents and staff.
