The Impact of a Nursing-Led Intervention Bundle With a Bedside Checklist to Reduce Mortality During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic and Implications for Future Emergencies.

OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to examine the effectiveness of a bedside checklist enforcing nursing-led interventions in hospitalized COVID-19 patients early in the pandemic. BACKGROUND: The absence of treatment guidelines for COVID-19 presented challenges to reducing mortality rates early in the pandemic. A bedside checklist and a bundle of nursing-led interventions named "Nursing Back to Basics (NB2B)" were assembled for patient care after a scoping review of evidence. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of the evidence-based interventions randomly implemented based on patient bed assignment. Electronic data (patient demographics, bed assignment and ICU transfers, length of stay, and patient discharge disposition) were extracted and calculated using descriptive statistics, t tests, and linear regression. RESULTS: Patients receiving the NB2B intervention enforced with a bedside checklist had significantly lower mortality rates (12.3%) compared with those receiving standard nursing care (26.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Bedside checklists enforcing evidence-based nursing-led interventions may be beneficial as a 1st-line public health emergency response.

Emerging Technology: Preparing Tomorrow's MCH Workforce to Innovate for Equity.

PURPOSE: This commentary proposes a new direction to train the MCH workforce by leveraging today's rapidly changing innovation and technology to address persistent health inequities. DESCRIPTION: We outline the creation of an MCH technology and innovation training pipeline developed by harnessing creative funding opportunities, diversifying training modalities, and expanding partnerships beyond traditional academic-practice partners, that be replicated and adapted by other academic programs. ASSESSMENT: Technology and innovation will continue to be a growing intersection between health and equity, and we must create a robust pipeline of MCH leaders prepared to collaborate with entrepreneurial and innovation leaders. CONCLUSION: Technology offers an important opportunity to improve MCH outcomes and reduce disparities, but only if we train the MCH workforce to seize these opportunities.

Young people's romantic relationships and sexual activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Social distancing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 may profoundly impact young people's relationships. This study compared adolescent and young adults' romantic relationships and sexual activity before and after social distancing policies were enacted. METHODS: In June 2020, 351 youth participating in an ongoing intervention study in Fresno County, California completed an online survey about their experiences related to COVID-19. The survey included open and closed-ended questions about their romantic relationships, sexual activity, and online romantic or sexual interactions before and during social distancing restrictions. We used the chi-square test of independence to compare adolescent (ages 13-17) and young adults' (ages 18-21) responses. Results were also compared to responses in the intervention study's baseline survey. RESULTS: One-third (37%) of youth were dating or in a romantic relationship and 28% spent time in person with a partner early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those dating or in a relationship, 34% physically distanced from their partner due to parental restrictions related to COVID-19. Youth also spent less time in person with their partners during the pandemic than before. Although most youth (69%) were not sexually active before or during the pandemic, 22% had sex during the social distancing period. Young adults were more likely to spend time with their partners and have sex during the restrictions than adolescents. Most youth were not involved in sexting or online dating, before or during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents and young adults have continued to engage in sexual and romantic relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic, although many reported physical distancing from their partners. Results suggest that youth continue to need access to sexual health education and services during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.