More Nursing Hours May Help Contain COVID Outbreaks in Nursing Homes

Although the strongest predictor of COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in nursing homes is the prevalence of COVID-19 infections in the community, a study published online in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society also suggests a facility’s nursing hours play a role in containment.

“Nursing homes have experienced a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases and deaths,” researchers explained in the study background. “Early analyses indicated that baseline quality was not predictive of nursing home cases, but a more nuanced study of the role of nurse staffing is needed to target resources and better respond to future outbreaks.” 

Researchers from the University of Chicago analyzed data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on COVID-19 cases and deaths as well as nursing home and county characteristics. 

Of 13,167 nursing homes that reported COVID-19 data as of June 14, 2020, 71% had at least one case among residents or staff. Of that 71%, 27% had a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the study. 

The strongest predictor of cases and outbreaks was per capita cases in the county, analysis revealed. While higher RN hours were linked with a higher likelihood of any COVID-19 cases, higher nurse aide hours and higher total nursing hours were associated with a lower likelihood of an outbreak and with fewer deaths among facilities with at least one COVID-19 case. 

“Prevalence of COVID-19 in the community remains the strongest predictor of COVID-19 cases and deaths in nursing homes,” researchers concluded, “but higher nurse aide and total nursing hours may help to contain the number of cases and deaths.” 

—Jolynn Tumolo 

Reference: 

Gorges RJ, Konetzka RT. Staffing Levels and COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in US Nursing Homes [published online ahead of print, 2020 Aug 8]. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2020;10.1111/jgs.16787. doi:10.1111/jgs.16787