Collaborative Training Strategies to Reduce COVID-19 Propagation in Long Term Care Facilities

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the health of our community. There were a disproportionate number of deaths in long-term care facilities. The purpose of this DNP project was to prepare COVID-19 Strike Team members to educate long-term care facility staff about evidence-based knowledge and practices which reduced health, economic, and personnel burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. An educational in-service provided resources for facility managers to control outbreaks. The DNP Student Project Team evaluated the Strike Team’s proper PPE use via virtual return demonstrations. A Qualtrics Survey gathered pertinent demographic data, such as whether the Strike Team member could locate PPE supplies, determine adequate PPE inventory, and have time for proper PPE use. Results showed a 90% implementation completion rate, with 100% of respondents reported that implementation improved knowledge and promoted confidence with proper PPE use.

Furthermore, 78% of respondents found adequate PPE supplies, 56% reported the ability to locate PPE supplies, and 67% were confident with adding proper PPE use to the daily routine. One recommendation for PPE time management promoted collaborative efforts based on CDC guidelines for proper PPE use. Other recommendations included a dedicated COVID-19 staff per shift, temporarily quarantined COVID-19 positive residents, and bundle care with daily living activities to limit exposure. The DNP implementation streamlined training for COVID-19 Strike Teams to support long-term care facility staff, increased staff confidence during outbreaks to benefit resident populations, and finally, increased the long-term care facility administration’s ability to manage future outbreaks.