Indiana is one of the first states to roll out a new program to assist nursing homes in dealing with COVID-19 and the challenges of the pandemic. Nursing homes in the state will have the chance to learn from subject experts and share experiences with one another.
The program is called the Indiana Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network (NNHCAN) Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO). ECHO is an evidence-based learning model used around the country to share best practices among medical and public health professionals. This particular program is geared specifically for nursing home leadership to build capacity related to COVID-19 and protect residents and staff.
It is funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and led by Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI, Regenstrief Institute and Parkview Health.
Nursing homes in Indiana can sign up to participate in weekly virtual sessions, which will include presentations from subject matter experts as well as time to hear directly from nursing home staff about the challenges they are facing through discussion of real cases. The series will last for 16 weeks, with space for 120 facilities to participate. The facilities will be divided into hubs of about 30 facilities.
The goals are to help nursing homes implement evidence-based best practices to prevent outbreaks, identify any infections early, provide safe and appropriate care for residents with mild cases, ensure staff have the knowledge to implement safety measures to protect residents and themselves and reduce social isolation for residents, families and staff.
More information on the program can be found here.
About Regenstrief Institute
Founded in 1969 in Indianapolis, the Regenstrief Institute is a local, national and global leader dedicated to a world where better information empowers people to end disease and realize true health. A key research partner to Indiana University, Regenstrief and its research scientists are responsible for a growing number of major healthcare innovations and studies. Examples range from the development of global health information technology standards that enable the use and interoperability of electronic health records to improving patient-physician communications, to creating models of care that inform practice and improve the lives of patients around the globe.
Sam Regenstrief, a nationally successful entrepreneur from Connersville, Indiana, founded the institute with the goal of making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. His vision continues to guide the institute’s research mission.
About the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI
Located on Indiana’s premier research and health sciences campus, the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI is committed to advancing the public’s health and well-being through education, innovation and leadership. The Fairbanks School of Public Health is known for its expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, cancer research, community health, environmental public health, global health, health policy and health services administration.
About IU School of Medicine
IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the U.S. and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability.
About Parkview Health
Parkview Health is a not-for-profit, community-based health system serving a northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio population of more than 895,000. Its mission is to improve health and inspire individuals to take steps to improve their well-being. The Parkview Health system was formed in 1995 and its heritage of care and compassion continues today with nine hospitals and a network of primary care and specialty physicians.
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