A National Study of Community Health Centers' Readiness to Address COVID-19.
J Am Board Fam Med
; 34(Suppl): S85-S94, 2021 Feb.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1099981
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak poses serious health risks, particularly for older adults and persons with underlying chronic medical conditions. Community health centers (CHCs) serve as the patient medical home for populations that are disproportionately more susceptible to COVID-19; yet, there is a lack of understanding of current efforts in place by CHCs to prepare for and respond to the pandemic.METHODS:
We used a comprehensive cross-sectional survey and focus groups with health care personnel to understand the needs and current efforts in place by CHCs, and we derived themes from the focus group data.RESULTS:
Survey respondents (n = 234; 19% response rate) identified COVID-19 infection prevention and control (76%), safety precautions (72%), and screening, diagnostic testing, and management of patients (66%) as major educational needs. Focus group findings (n = 39) highlighted 5 key themes relevant to readiness leadership, resources, workforce capacity, communication, and formal policies and procedures.CONCLUSION:
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-standing CHC capacity issues making it challenging for them to adequately respond to the outbreak. Policies promoting greater investment in CHCs may strengthen them to better meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of society, and thereby help flatten the curve.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Community Health Centers
/
Delivery of Health Care
/
Capacity Building
/
Health Services Needs and Demand
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Am Board Fam Med
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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