scholarly journals Aerosol SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0258151
Author(s):  
Gary Mallach ◽  
Samantha B. Kasloff ◽  
Tom Kovesi ◽  
Anand Kumar ◽  
Ryan Kulka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Method Development ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Correctional Facility ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care ◽  
N Protein ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Few studies have quantified aerosol concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and long-term care homes, and fewer still have examined samples for viability. This information is needed to clarify transmission risks beyond close contact. Methods We deployed particulate air samplers in rooms with COVID-19 positive patients in hospital ward and ICU rooms, rooms in long-term care homes experiencing outbreaks, and a correctional facility experiencing an outbreak. Samplers were placed between 2 and 3 meters from the patient. Aerosol (small liquid particles suspended in air) samples were collected onto gelatin filters by Ultrasonic Personal Air Samplers (UPAS) fitted with <2.5μm (micrometer) and <10 μm size-selective inlets operated for 16 hours (total 1.92m3), and with a Coriolis Biosampler over 10 minutes (total 1.5m3). Samples were assayed for viable SARS-CoV-2 virus and for the viral genome by multiplex PCR using the E and N protein target sequences. We validated the sampling methods by inoculating gelatin filters with viable vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and with three concentrations of viable SARS-CoV-2, operating personal samplers for 16hrs, and quantifying viable virus recovery by TCID50 assay. Results In total, 138 samples were collected from 99 rooms. RNA samples were positive in 9.1% (6/66) of samples obtained with the UPAS 2.5μm samplers, 13.5% (7/52) with the UPAS 10μm samplers, and 10.0% (2/20) samples obtained with the Coriolis samplers. Culturable virus was not recovered in any samples. Viral RNA was detected in 15.1% of the rooms sampled. There was no significant difference in viral RNA recovery between the different room locations or samplers. Method development experiments indicated minimal loss of SARS-CoV-2 viability via the personal air sampler operation.

scholarly journals Aerosol SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Mallach ◽  
Samantha B Kasloff ◽  
Tom Kovesi ◽  
Anand Kumar ◽  
Ryan Kulka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Method Development ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Correctional Facility ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care ◽  
N Protein ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Few studies have quantified aerosol concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and long-term care homes, and fewer still have examined samples for viability. This information is needed to clarify transmission risks beyond close contact. Methods: We deployed particulate air samplers in rooms with COVID-19 positive patients in hospital ward and ICU rooms, rooms in long-term care homes experiencing outbreaks, and a correctional facility experiencing an outbreak. Samplers were placed between 2 and 3 meters from the patient. Aerosol (small liquid particles suspended in air) samples were collected onto gelatin filters by Ultrasonic Personal Air Samplers (UPAS) fitted with <2.5µm (micrometer) and <10µm size-selective inlets operated for 16 hours (total 1.92m3), and with a Coriolis Biosampler over 10 minutes (total 1.5m3). Samples were assayed for viable SARS-CoV-2 virus and for the viral genome by multiplex PCR using the E and N protein target sequences. We validated the sampling methods by inoculating gelatin filters with viable vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and with three concentrations of viable SARS-CoV-2, operating personal samplers for 16hrs, and quantifying viable virus recovery by TCID50 assay. Results: In total, 138 samples were collected from 99 rooms. RNA samples were positive in 9.1% (6/66) of samples obtained with the UPAS 2.5µm samplers, 13.5% (7/52) with the UPAS 10µm samplers, and 10.0% (2/20) samples obtained with the Coriolis samplers. Culturable virus was not recovered in any samples. Viral RNA was detected in 10.9% of the rooms sampled. There was no significant difference in viral RNA recovery between the different room locations or samplers. Method development experiments indicated minimal loss of SARS-CoV-2 viability via the personal air sampler operation. Key Findings: Although a subset of aerosol samples exhibited detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA at low titres, the presence of viable SARS-CoV-2 virus in aerosols appears to be infrequent at >2m distance.

scholarly journals The Influence of Race and Gender on Staff-Resident Interactions in Nursing Homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 185-185
Author(s):  
Rachel McPherson ◽  
Barbara Resnick ◽  
Elizabeth Galik
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Positive Interactions ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Race And Gender ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Communication and interactions are an integral part of care in long-term care settings. Resident variables, such as race and gender, shape communication and interaction between staff and residents. The Quality of Interactions Schedule (QuIS) was developed to measure the quality of verbal and nonverbal interactions among nursing staff and older adults initially for those in acute care and later used as well in a variety of long term care settings. A quantified measurement of the quality of interactions between residents and staff was created to quantify the QuIS. The purpose of this study was to describe the gender and racial differences in scored quality of interactions. Data for the present study was based on baseline data from the Evidence Integration Triangle for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (EIT-4-BPSD) implementation study. A total of 535 residents from 55 settings were included in the analyses. An analysis of covariance was conducted to determine a difference in QuIS scores between males and females while controlling for age. The second model tested for differences in QuIS scores between blacks and whites while controlling for age and gender. There was not a statistically significant difference in QuIS scores between male and female residents. There was a significant difference in QuIS scores between those who were black versus white, such that those who were black received more positive interactions from staff than those who were white. Future work should focus on a deeper examination of resident factors and staff factors that may influence these interactions.

Assistive technologies that support social interaction in long-term care homes

2021 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilyn Macdonald ◽  
Ziwa Yu ◽  
Lori E. Weeks ◽  
Elaine Moody ◽  
Beth Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care

Discharge of pharmaceuticals into municipal sewers from hospitals and long-term care facilities

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Riaz ul Haq ◽  
Chris Metcalfe ◽  
Hongxia Li ◽  
Wayne Parker
Keyword(s):  
Long Term Care ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Pharmaceutically Active Compounds ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Antibiotic Compounds ◽  
Composite Samples

The presence of pharmaceutically active compounds in the aquatic environment has become well established, and their presence is of potential concern because they are designed to produce biological response in the target receptor, may bear intrinsic toxicity (e.g. cytostatic agents, antibiotics) and they possess the potential to foster and maintain drug resistance. For both risk assessment and risk management purposes, it is important to identify the major sources of pharmaceuticals in the environment. Healthcare facilities may be major sources of the discharges of these compounds into municipal sewers. In this study, we investigated the contributions to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influents from two hospitals and two long-term care homes of nine compounds. Twenty-four hour composite samples were collected over 5 consecutive days from the effluents of these facilities. The WWTPs receiving sewage from these facilities were also sampled on the same days to facilitate mass balance calculations. The results showed that the healthcare facilities contributed a greater proportion of the antibiotic compounds to the WWTPs than the other target compounds; with maximum contributions of ciprofloxacin by hospitals and long-term care homes of 26.7 and 37%, respectively.

scholarly journals Quality Changes after Implementation of an Episode of Care Model with Strict Criteria for Physical Therapy in Ontario's Long‐Term Care Homes

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 4863-4885
Author(s):  
Caitlin McArthur ◽  
John Hirdes ◽  
Ashok Chaurasia ◽  
Katherine Berg ◽  
Lora Giangregorio
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Quality Changes ◽  
Care Model ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Episode Of Care

scholarly journals Prevalence of advanced directives in the geriatric population with in long-term care facilities in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-178
Author(s):  
Ateequr Rahman ◽  
Druti Shukla ◽  
Lejla Cukovic ◽  
Kirstin Krzyzewski ◽  
Noopur Walia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Living Wills ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Advanced Directive ◽  
Advanced Directives ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Care Facilities

Advanced directives, such as Living Wills and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders, provide the ability to identify, respect, and implement an individual's wishes for medical care during serious illness or end-of-life care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of advanced directives amongst the residents of long-term care facilities in the United States. A total of 527 cases were extracted from 2018 National Study of Long-Term Care Providers, which was collected by the National Center for Health Statistics through the surveys of residential care communities and adult day services centers. Advanced directive rates were higher in patients 90 years of age and above as compared to other age groups. Nursing home residents were more likely to have advanced directives than other long term care facilities. There was no significant difference among males and females in the rate of advanced directives. Nursing home and Hospice residents had more advanced directives compared to other facilities. The Black population had the highest rate of advanced directive preparedness. Overall, the finding of this study revealed that there was a significant difference in the preparedness of DNR orders and Living Wills by patient demographics and the type of long-term care facility. Offering advanced directive services at public health/social services facilities can enhance the rate of advanced directive preparedness. Advanced directives ease the stress and anxiety of patients, family, and friends during difficult times.

scholarly journals Examining dual roles in long-term-care homes in rural Alberta: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Brassolotto ◽  
Carly-Ann Haney ◽  
Sienna Caspar ◽  
Shannon Spenceley
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Term Care

scholarly journals Hearing Screening for Residents in Long-Term Care Homes Who Live with Dementia: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Fiona Höbler ◽  
Katherine S. McGilton ◽  
Walter Wittich ◽  
Kate Dupuis ◽  
Marilyn Reed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Pure Tone ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Pure Tone Audiometry ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Term Care

Background: Hearing loss is highly prevalent in older adults, particularly among those living with dementia and residing in long-term care homes (LTCHs). Sensory declines can have deleterious effects on functioning and contribute to frailty, but the hearing needs of residents are often unrecognized or unaddressed. Objective: To identify valid and reliable screening measures that are effective for the identification of hearing loss and are suitable for use by nursing staff providing care to residents with dementia in LTCHs. Methods: Electronic databases (Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL, and CINAHL) were searched using comprehensive search strategies, and a stepwise approach based on Arksey & O’Malley’s scoping review and appraisal process was followed. Results: There were 193 scientific papers included in the review. Pure-tone audiometry was the most frequently reported measure to test hearing in older adults living with dementia. However, measures including self- or other-reports and questionnaires, review of medical records, otoscopy, and the whisper test were found to be most suitable for use by nurses working with older adults living with dementia in LTCHs. Conclusion: Although frequently used, the suitability of pure-tone audiometry for use by nursing staff in LTCHs is limited, as standardized audiometry presents challenges for many residents, and specific training is needed to successfully adapt test administration procedures and interpret results. The whisper test was considered to be more suitable for use by staff in LTCH; however, it yields a limited characterization of hearing loss. There remains an urgent need to develop new approaches to screen hearing in LTCHs.

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