COVID-19 Preparedness and Perceived Safety in Nursing Homes in Southern Portugal: A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study in the Initial Phases of the Pandemic

Abstract

(1) Background: Nursing homes’ preparedness in managing a public health emergency has been poor, with effects on safety culture. The objective of this study was to assess nursing homes’ COVID-19 preparedness in southern Portugal, including staff’s work experiences during the pandemic. (2) Methods: We used a COVID-19 preparedness checklist to be completed by management teams, followed by follow-up calls to nursing homes. Thereafter, a survey of staff was applied. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, and thematic analysis of open-end questions. (3) Results: In total, 71% (138/195) of eligible nursing homes returned the preparedness checklist. We conducted 83 follow-up calls and received 720 replies to the staff survey. On average, 25% of nursing homes did not have an adequate decision-making structure to respond to the pandemic. Outbreak capacity and training were areas for improvement among nursing homes’ contingency plans. We identified teamwork as an area of strength for safety culture, whereas compliance with procedures and nonpunitive response to mistakes need improvement. (4) Conclusions: To strengthen how nursing homes cope with upcoming phases of the COVID-19 pandemic or future public health emergencies, nursing homes’ preparedness and safety culture should be fostered and closely monitored.

Experiences of Healthcare Workers in Long-Term Care during COVID-19: A Scoping Review

“…To cope with the pandemic-induced stressors, HCWs adopted various strategies, including seeking support/guidance from peers and leadership, which they felt was integral to their wellbeing. A study of 720 Portuguese LTC staff identified teamwork (78%), and staff training (70%) as key strategies to ensure staff wellbeing and a safety culture (Brito Fernandes et al, 2021).…”

Health and care workers in long‐term care facilities and their role in preventing emerging infectious diseases: A scoping review

“…Furthermore, as pointed out by Ben-Ari (1996), Bartzokas and Slade (1991) Finally, due to the rapidly changing nature of emerging infectious diseases and the importance of health and care workers in their prevention, there is an urgent need to explore a more comprehensive and systematic framework for preventing these diseases in facilities. We believe subthemes 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 on facility resources, employee quality, and management model, respectively, can serve as guidelines for establishing such a framework and reducing the barriers to preventing emerging infectious diseases in long-term care facilities as identified in previous studies (Brito Fernandes et al, 2021).…”

“…Nursing home uses social media to keep families informed about residents' well-being during COVID-19 pandemic (Brito Fernandes et al, 2021).…”

“…Nursing homes have overlooked the importance of thorough and comprehensive planning and the role of contingency plans (Brito Fernandes et al, 2021).…”

“…Strengthening communication channels with staff to understand their priorities and experiences in coping with the pandemic and how best to support them could serve as psychological personal protective equipment that empowers staff and gives them hope (Brito Fernandes et al, 2021).…”