ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To develop and conduct preliminary feasibility testing of a clinical screening instrument for early identification of COVID-19 infection in older people residing in residential aged care services (RACS). METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using a multi-modal approach involving examination of existing literature and national guidelines for COVID-19 clinical screening, formulation of a discussion document with peer review and feasibility testing of a prototype screening tool. RESULTS: Existing COVID-19 clinical screening tools do not consider age-related impacts on clinical presentation. The qualitative analysis identified the important clinical elements to include were a lower threshold for temperature, occurrence of a recent fall and change in functional status. The new elements also had to be simple and feasible to implement. Overall feedback was positive with all participants recommending the use of the new tool. CONCLUSION: A new screening tool for RACS residents was developed addressing the pathophysiological changes with ageing and atypical features of COVID-19 infection.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/diagnosis , Nursing Assessment/methods , Symptom Assessment , Aged , Feasibility Studies , Female , Homes for the Aged , Humans , Male , Nursing Homes , VictoriaABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: to develop a protocol of recommendations for facing dissemination of COVID-19 in Brazilian Nursing Homes. METHOD: a study of experts' recommendations using a structured form applied through the Delphi Technique, obtaining 100% agreement among professionals after four rounds of analysis. The population comprised six nurses members of the Scientific Department of Gerontological Nursing of the Brazilian Association of Nursing (Associação Brasileira de Enfermagem). RESULTS: the protocol was structured in a nucleus of nursing interventions to face the spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes, consisting of 8 actions. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the protocol can help nurse managers to organize assistance to face the pandemic, which can be adaptable to each reality, making training nurses and health teams easier.