Jia et al. report on trends in anxiety and depression scores in US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression and anxiety symptoms peaked in December 2020-January 2021, decreasing through June 2021. Despite this decrease, anxiety and depression symptoms remain elevated compared to 2019. (MMWR, October 8, 2021)

Young-Xu et al. discuss effectiveness and coverage of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in a US veteran population. This study found that the estimated vaccine effectiveness in the veteran population was similar to vaccine effectiveness in the general population. Interestingly, however, this sample reported higher rates of minority vaccine coverage than in the general population. (JAMA Netw Open, October 6, 2021)

Ryerson et al. comment on disparities in COVID-19 vaccination status and intent in adults with disabilities. The authors found that adults with a disability were less likely to report vaccine hesitancy compared to adults without disabilities. However, adults with a disability also had a lower likelihood of receiving their COVID-19 vaccination due to access barriers. (MMWR, October 1, 2021)

Kelen et al. discuss the impact of health care financing on crowding in emergency departments (ED). This piece comments on the existing information on ED crowding’s impacts on morbidity, mortality, and burden, as well as discussing the added influence of COVID. (NEJM Catalyst, September 28, 2021).

Siegler and colleagues found vaccine hesitancy to have decreased over time, although willingness to vaccinate did not consistently result in vaccine seeking behaviors. (JAMA Netw Open, September 24, 2021)

Self et al. comment on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in preventing hospitalizations among immunocompromised patients. This report demonstrates that all FDA-approved vaccines are highly protective against COVID-19 hospitalization in a real-world, immunocompromised sample despite variations in levels of protection. (MMWR, September 24, 2021)

Neprash & Chernew provide evidence that most practice interruptions were temporary and had a larger impact on older physicians. (JAMA, September 20, 2021)

Wanga et al. in the MMWR describe long-term symptoms for adults testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. In this sample, 65.9% of adults testing positive reported symptoms persisting after 4 weeks from diagnosis. (MMWR, September 10, 2021)

Bundorf et al. discuss trends in healthcare coverage across the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports increased rates of employer-sponsored insurance and uninsured persons, while non-employer-sponsored insurance rates increased during the pandemic. (JAMA Health Forum, September 3, 2021)

Smulowitz et al. discuss trends in ED visits, admissions, and mortality in Medicare patients nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Decreases in ED visits were largest in April of 2020. The authors also describe the generally constant admission rates for serious illnesses combined with increased mortality rates, representing the admission of higher-acuity patients, which could be attributed to delays in seeking medical care. (Health Affairs, September 2021)

Kaufman et al. discuss changes in new cancer diagnoses in the US during the pandemic. In this study, authors identified significant declines in new diagnoses rates at multiple timepoints during the pandemic among patients with eight common types of cancer compared to pre-pandemic rates. (JAMA Netw Open, August 31, 2021)

Czeisler et al. report on mental health and substance abuse among people with disabilities during the COVID pandemic. This population, which is already at increased risk for COVID-19, reported higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse when compared to adults without disabilities. (MMWR, August 27, 2021)

Becker et al. in JAMA Network Open present findings of their systematic review and meta-analysis on interventions to improve communication at hospital discharge and readmission rates. This study found that communication interventions at hospital discharge were associated with lower readmission rates and improved patient satisfaction. (August 27, 2021)

Nichter et al. comment on prevalence and trends in suicidal behavior among US veterans during the pandemic. Despite concerns that the isolation of the pandemic might worsen mental health and suicidality, this study found finds that SI has decreased overall during the pandemic. However, patients with a history of COVID-19 were two times as likely to report SI. (JAMA Psychiatry, August 25, 2021)

Gale et al. comment on public perceptions on seeking emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this sample, 16.9% of individuals reporting symptoms of MI, and 25.5% of individuals reporting symptoms of appendicitis reported avoiding the ED to prevent COVID-19 exposure. (JAMA Netw Open, August 19, 2021)

Nanduri et al. describe COVID-19 vaccine efficacy before and during Delta variant circulation in a nursing home population. In this study, before circulation of the Delta variant, vaccines were 74.7% effective in fully vaccinated individuals. During a period of high Delta variant circulation, efficacy dropped to 53.1%. (MMWR, August 18, 2021)

Kadri & Simpson comment on implications for rural areas and hospital. With many rural areas reporting vaccination rates under 25%, the authors suggest the continuation of vaccination efforts and early involvement from hospital leaders to prepare for possible patient overflow. (JAMA, August 12, 2021)

Moline et al. update COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness for adults 65-74 years old. Vaccines continue to be highly effective at preventing hospitalizations. (MMWR, August 6, 2021)

Thomson et al. report on factors associated with telehealth satisfaction in rural-dwelling adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study showed that use and satisfaction with telehealth were associated with internet access, higher health literacy, and increased perceived stress. (JAMA Netw Open, August 5, 2021)

Moucheraud et al. discuss the low levels of trust in governments and health workers globally, and its impact on health information and vaccinations. In this study, only 25% of global respondents reported having “a lot” of trust in their government. Less than half of global respondents reported that they had “a lot” of trust in doctors and nurses. (Health Affairs, August 1, 2021)

Lee et al. report on disparities in COVID vaccination in LTC health professionals in the MMWR. In this study, vaccination coverage was lowest among health aids and in settings with high social vulnerability. (MMWR, July 30, 2021)

Ceban et al. author a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between mood disorders and risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death in JAMA Internal Medicine. People living with mood disorders displayed significantly higher odds of COVID hospitalization and death compared to those with no mood disorders. (JAMA Psychiatry, July 28, 2021)

Wallace et al. discuss changes in racial and ethnic disparities in access to care among 65-year-old adults. This study found that eligibility for Medicare at age 65 years was associated with reductions in racial and ethnic disparities in insurance coverage, access to care, and self-reported health across the US. (JAMA Intern. Med., July 26, 2021)

Olsen et al. discuss non-COVID-19 respiratory virus activity during the pandemic. Through May 2021, influenza viruses circulated at historically low rates; however, other respiratory virus activity has increased throughout 2021. Authors suggest the continuation of preventative actions, as well as consideration of multi-pathogen testing for clinicians. (MMWR, July 23, 2021)

Miller, Wherry & Mazumder estimate mortality increases during the COVID-19 pandemic by SES, race, and ethnicity. Mortality increases were largest for those living in correctional facilities or healthcare-related group establishments, as well as those with occupations with limited work-from-home options. (Health Affairs, July 21, 2021)

Powers et al. comment on the association between primary care payment models and telemedicine use for Medicare Advantage enrollees during the pandemic. This study discusses lower rates of telemedicine use in fee-for-service organizations compared to primary care payment models. (JAMA Health Forum, July 16, 2021)

McGarry et al. discuss the association between larger nursing home staff and increased COVID-19 diagnoses. The authors discuss the impact of part-time vs. full-time staff on nursing home residents’ exposure to the COVID-19 virus. (Health Affairs, July 14, 2021)

Cortez et al. discuss changes in office-based and telemedicine visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors reported that telemedicine accounted for 23.9% of care in the second half of 2020. Telemedicine was most commonly utilized with established patients, and less for preventative cases. (JAMA Netw Open, July 9, 2021)

Hu & Dill found that physician work hours significantly decreased during the pandemic despite increased percentages in lay-offs among physicians. The authors suggest that these changes may reflect health care utilization decreases driven by the pandemic. (JAMA Open Netw, June 23, 2021)

Diesel and colleagues provide an update on the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program. Only 57% of adults received at least one dose by late May. Among the highest vaccinated group are adults aged 65+, while adults under 30 remains low. Equitable access to vaccinations is still needed and imperative for efforts to increase vaccinations among younger adults. (MMWR, June 21, 2021)

Mark Czeisler et al. present data on the mental health of caregivers and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both parents and unpaid caregivers of adults had significantly worse mental health symptoms than adults not in those roles. (MMWR, June 18,2021)

Asch and colleagues discuss hospital factors impacting mortality rates in black and white Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with COVID-19. The study found that increased mortality in Black patients was associated with hospitals where Black patients disproportionately received care. (JAMA Netw Open, June 17, 2021)

Park, Kim and Briesacher found that older adults entering LTC facilities in highly socially isolated areas had a 17% higher 30-day mortality rate compared to those with low levels of social isolation. (JAMA Netw Open, June 16, 2021)

Christie et al. discuss decreases in COVID-19 cases, ED visits, hospital admissions, and deaths in older adults after COVID-19 vaccine introduction. By May 1st, 2021, 82% of adults 65 and older had received at least one COVID vaccine. The decreasing morbidity and mortality in older adults demonstrates the potential impact of increasing population-level vaccination coverage. (MMWR, June 11, 2021)

Kimani et al. examine associations of race and ethnicity and food insecurity with COVID-19 infection rates. The study found an association between race/ethnicity and infection rates with an interaction with food insecurity in counties with large Black or American Indian populations, but not in counties with large Hispanic populations. These findings suggest that public policy should consider county-level food insecurity to better understand the social dynamics of the COVID-19. (JAMA Netw Open, June 8, 2021)

Yu et al. comment on changes in non-COVID-19 emergency department (ED) visits by acuity and insurance status during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this St. Louis sample, there was no significant difference in utilization by acuity level. These findings can help inform interventions to ensure that people requiring timely ED care continue to seek it and improve access to lower-risk alternative settings of care where appropriate. (Health Affairs, June 7, 2021)

Tarazi et al. examine COVID-19 related deaths and excess deaths among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. In this study, the authors found that mortality varied by comorbid conditions, similar to the findings of other recent studies. (Health Affairs, June 7, 2021)

Solomon et al. found that no significant declines in AMI hospitalizations or stroke alerts occurred from October 2020 to January 2021. These findings are a change from prior COVID-19 surges, which significantly impacted hospital presentation for acute cardiovascular causes. (JAMA, June 2, 2021)

Barry et al. comment on the increasing disparities in county-level vaccination based on social vulnerability. Public health messaging tailored to local populations and increasing vaccination access could help increase vaccination coverage in counties with high social vulnerability. (MMWR, May 28, 2021)

Sun et al. discuss a decrease in EMS calls and increased hospital transportation refusal and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest incidence during the initial COVID-19 wave. (Health Affairs, May 26, 2021)

Murthy et al. comment on urban and rural COVID-19 vaccination disparities in the US from December 2020 to April 2021. Vaccination coverage was lower in rural counties than in urban counties, contributing to slower progress of bringing an end to the pandemic. Continued multi-partner collaborations are needed to address vaccine hesitancy and equitable access in rural areas. (MMWR, May 21, 2021)

Whiteman et al. comment on the first three and half months of vaccination efforts among older adults. This study reports lower vaccination initiation rates in counties with higher percentages of older adults with social vulnerabilities. (MMWR, May 14, 2021)

Docherty et al. discuss finding of reduction of in-hospital mortality observed in all age groups during the first wave of the UK COVID pandemic. Changes in case mix and illness severity, as well as differences in respiratory support and critical care use, partly accounted for this reduction of in-hospital mortality. (The Lancet, May 14, 2021)

Misera-Hebert et al. discuss the health system utilization impact of a home-monitoring program for patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 infection. While the program was associated with lower odds of hospitalization, it did not find significantly decreased ED utilization up to 90 days following diagnosis. (JAMA Health Forum, May 6, 2021)

Angel et al. report on the association between Pfizer vaccination and incidence of COVID-19 infections among health care workers. Vaccination was associated with a significantly lower incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. (JAMA, May 6, 2021)

Werner & Coe discuss nursing home staffing levels during the pandemic in Health Affairs. Although the number of staff hours in nursing homes did not decline, the perception of shortages has been driven by increased stresses and demands on staff time due to the pandemic, which are harder to quantify. (Health Affairs, May 3, 2021)

Sung Park’s study found that caregivers demonstrated worse mental health and fatigue symptoms than non-caregivers during the pandemic. (The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, April 2021)

Chen et al. found an estimated deficit of 9.4 million (breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer) screenings associated with the COVID-19 pandemic meaning that public health efforts are needed to make up for the substantial deficit in preventative screenings. (JAMA Oncol, April 29, 2021)

Tenforde et al. report on a multi-state network of U.S. hospitals for the first quarter of 2021. COVID-19 vaccinations significantly reduced the risk for COVID-19 associated hospitalization. Receipt of Pfizer or Moderna was 94% effective among fully vaccinated adults and 64% effective among partially vaccinated adults. (MMWR, April 28, 2021)

Bandyopadhyay et al. present the findings of a systematic review on infection and mortality of healthcare workers worldwide from COVID-19. This review found that while infections are primarily recorded in women, deaths were mainly reported in men. (BMJ Global Health, April 26, 2021)

Hernandez-Romieu et al. report on health care utilization and clinical characteristics of non-hospitalized adults following COVID-19 diagnosis. In this sample, 69% had one or more outpatient visits 28-180 days following diagnosis. (MMWR, April 23, 2021)

Gracner et al. comment on the significant association between NH residents’ infection-related hospitalizations and decreased cognitive function. (JAMA Netw Open, April 23, 2021)

McDermott & Newman present proposed remote adaptations of randomized trials for consideration. (JAMA, April 22, 2021)

Callison & Ward discuss the associations between individual characteristics and involuntary health care delays. In this article, older age, fair or poor health, greater education, and health insurance were associated with a greater likelihood of involuntary delays in medical care. (Health Affairs, April 21, 2021)

Teran et al. discuss post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infections in a SNF setting. The report describes the 22 breakthrough infections 14 days following a second COVID-19 vaccination, of which two-thirds were asymptomatic. (MMWR, April 21, 2021)

Adjemian et. al provide an update on ED visitation trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, now reporting on data from December 2020 to January 2021. In this sample, ED visits were 25% lower than the prior years, and higher proportions of visits were for mental and behavioral health problems. (MMWR, April 16, 2021)

Romano et. al comment on trends in racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 hospitalizations by region. Within each region, the authors report on the highest proportion of hospitalization among Hispanic or Latino patients. (MMWR, April 16, 2021)

Thuy Ho et. al report on US national trends in vascular surgical practice during the pandemic. The authors commented on the expected declines in elective procedures and the unexpected declines in urgent/emergent aortic and carotid interventions. (JAMA Surg, April 15, 2021)

Haffner et. al discuss postop in-hospital morbidity and mortality of patients with COVID-19 compared to patients without. The mortality of patients with COVID-19 was almost double compared to non-COVID patients, although the difference in complications and length of stay between the two groups was not significant. (JAMA Netw Open, April 12, 2021)

Ahmad et al. describe increased death rate using provisional mortality data in the U.S. for 2020. Death rates were highest among persons of color. Heart disease and cancer were the highest causes of death, with COVID-19 as the third leading cause of death. (MMWR, April 9, 2021)

Havervall et al. comment on symptoms and functional impairment eight months following mild COVID-19 infection among health care workers. (JAMA, April 7, 2021)

Yuan et al. in examine clinical practice patterns in remote cardiology clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors found that compared with pre-COVID, in-person visits, clinicians had significantly lower odds of ordering medications and many tests when visits were completed remotely. (JAMA Netw Open, April 5, 2021)

Li et al. discuss the impact of telemedicine visits for acute respiratory infections on downstream ED, office, and urgent care visits. (Health Affairs, April 5, 2021)

Woolf et al. discuss the excess deaths from COVID-19 and other causes from March 1, 2020, to January 2, 2021. This study showed a 22.9% increase in deaths compared to expected rates. (JAMA, April 2, 2021)

Vahratian et al. describe the increase in the rate of adults with recent symptoms of an anxiety or depressive disorder. (MMWR, April 2, 2021)

Ayoubkhani et al. describe the results of a retrospective study examining readmission rates and all-cause mortality in patients discharged from the hospital with COVID-19 compared to control. (BMJ, March 31, 2021)

Use of Telehealth by Surgical Specialties During the COVID-19 Pandemic (JAMA Surg, March 26, 2021)

Seligman et al. discuss trends in 30-day mortality from COVID-19 among older adults in the VA system. From March to November 2020, the average 30-day mortality rate was 19.2%. Regardless of subsequent declines in 30-day mortality reported since, VA and non-VA individuals aged 85 and older remain at highest risk. (JAGS, March 26, 2021-online first)

Alfonso et al. comment on the neglect of US public health spending and its impact on the COVID-19 response. (Health Affairs, March 25, 2021)

In-Person and Telehealth Ambulatory Contacts and Costs in a Large US Insured Cohort Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic (JAMA Netw Open, March 23, 2021)

Van Dyke et al. report on disparities among younger adults. (MMWR, March 19, 2021)

Prescott discusses symptom variability, patient outcomes following hospitalization. While age and chronic conditions affect “disease manifestations”, it does not explain the “variety of clinical presentations observed”. (JAMA, March 17, 2021)

Assessment of protection against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 among 4 million PCR-tested individuals in Denmark in 2020: a population-level observational study (Lancet, March 17, 2021)

Madrigal et al. comment on the association between poor functional recovery and delirium, on admission to skilled nursing facilities after heart failure hospitalization. (JAMA Netw Open, March 16, 2021)

Kosar et al. comment on observed decrease in COVID-19 mortality rates among nursing home residents, though efforts to improve detection of asymptomatic cases do not explain this trend. (Health Affairs, March 11, 2021)

Nugent et al. discuss the long-term impact of COVID-19 on kidney function among patients discharged from the hospital. (JAMA Netw Open, March 10, 2021)

Jacob et al. comment on risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among US health care personnel, concluding that current infection prevention strategies are effective in preventing virus transmission in the workplace. (JAMA Netw Open, March 10, 2021)

In Traditional Medicare, Modest Growth In The Home Care Workforce Largely Driven By Nurse Practitioners (Health Affairs, March 1, 2021)

Follow-up Survey of US Adult Reports of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic, September 2020 (JAMA Netw Open, February 19, 2021)

Sequelae in Adults at 6 Months After COVID-19 Infection (JAMA Netw Open, February 19, 2021)

Uscher-Pines et al. report on use of in-person, telephone and video visits among California’s Federally Qualified Health Centers. The authors argue eliminating coverage of telephone visits post-pandemic may disproportionately affect underserved populations. (JAMA, February 2, 2021)

Older adults’ perspectives on a COVID-19 vaccine (JAMA Health Forum, December 23, 2020)

Persistent symptoms after Covid-19: qualitative study of 114 “long Covid” patients and draft quality principles for services (BMC Health Serv Res, December 20, 2020)

Readmission and death after initial hospital discharge among patients with COVID-19 in a large multihospital system (JAMA, December 14, 2020)

Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review and meta-analysis (JAMA Netw Open, December 14, 2020)

Analyses of risk, racial disparity, and outcomes among US patients with cancer and COVID-19 infection (JAMA Oncol, December 10, 2020)

Assessment of racial/ethnic disparities in hospitalization and mortality in patients with COVID-19 in New York City (JAMA Netw Open, December 4, 2020)

Increased intensity of PCR testing reduced COVID-19 transmission within countries during the first pandemic wave (Health Aff, December 2, 2020)

Increasing critical care nurse engagement of palliative care during the COVID-19 pandemic (Crit Care Nurse, December 1, 2020)

Estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the US as of September 2020 (JAMA Intern Med, November 24, 2020)

Social media, ageism, and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic (EClinicalMedicine, published by THE LANCET, November 20, 2020).

Delirium in older patients with COVID-19 presenting to the emergency department (JAMA Netw Open, November 19, 2020)

Characteristics of hospitalized COVID-19 patients discharged and experiencing same-hospital readmission—United States, March-August 2020 (MMWR, November 13, 2020)

Bradley Corallo reports on the status of housing and internet access for a national survey of Medicaid enrollees in KFF brief. Based on this survey, prior to the pandemic, 57% of the sample lived in inadequate housing and 13% did not have access to the internet in their homes. (September 22, 2021)

Erik Neumann comments on the resurgence of delayed elective treatments and cancer care. In areas of the country with high COVID-19 rates, ICU’s are again struggling to provide beds for all planned procedures. (KHN, September 17, 2021)

Williams et al. report on the impact of COVID-19 on older adults in the US. The report found that relative to other counties, US older adults have experienced worse financial impact due to the pandemic. In this survey, Latino/Hispanic and Black older adults were also more likely to have experienced significant financial hardship compared to white older adults. (The Commonwealth Fund, September 15, 2021)

Thomas, Gebeloff, and Silver-Greenburg for the NYT discuss the rates of antipsychotic use in nursing homes. The authors describe the recent steep increases in schizophrenia diagnoses and the 21% of residents who are currently prescribed antipsychotics and the implications of potentially false diagnoses. (NYT, September 11, 2021)

Hick et al. discuss standards of care during the pandemic. The report highlights the importance of equity, surge planning, and clinical decision-making. (National Academy of Medicine, August 30, 2021)

Otraliza et al. present brief on COVID-19’s continued presence as a leading cause of death in the US. After falling behind unintentional injuries, stroke, and respiratory disease in June and July, COVID’s resurgence has returned COVID to the third leading cause of death in the US. (Peterson KFF, August 27, 2021)

Andrew Jacobs discusses the impact of new COVID-19 cases on inpatient nurses. Jacobs presents the complex challenges presented by increasing COVID-19 cases amidst nursing staff shortages and burnout. (NYT, August 21, 2021)

Susan Jaffee reports on new state laws intended to protect nursing home residents. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, new legislation supports mandatory telehealth options, improved staffing, and updated visitation rules in nursing homes. (Kaiser Health News, August 20, 2021)

Tara Parker-Pope discusses the possibility of long-covid following vaccination. This article covers a recent study published in NEJM where roughly 2.6% of the vaccinated sample experienced breakthrough COVID-19 infection. Although few vaccinated individuals experienced long-covid symptoms after breakthrough infections, researchers recommend further study. (NYT, August 16, 2021)

The Commonwealth Fund reports on the impact of missed opportunities to vaccinate individuals in Florida and Texas. This report claims that 4,700 lives may have been saved with improved vaccination rates. (The Commonwealth Fund, August 12, 2021)

Phil Galewitz discusses the high COVID-19 vaccination rates among seniors 65 and older living in the US. Galewitz shares that although 90% of this population is now at least partially vaccinated, the motivators for vaccination in this group may not be shared among younger populations. (Kaiser Health News, August 4, 2021)

Judith Grahm discusses the impact of COVID-19 on seniors. This review of recent research highlights the vulnerability of older adults not residing in nursing homes. (Kaiser Health News, August 6, 2021)

KFF reports on COVID-19 cases and deaths in LTC facilities through June 2021. While most states have continued to see cases at record lows, 5 reporting states have seen increased cases. Additionally, most states are now reporting higher death rates outside of LTC facilities. (KFF, August 2, 2021)

Ramirez et al. review early 2022 insurer filings in a KFF brief. These filings suggest insurers expect healthcare utilization to return to pre-pandemic rates in 2022. (KFF, July 19, 2021)

Collins, Aboulafia & Gunja for the Commonwealth Fund comment on the state of health care coverage and affordability during the COVID-19 pandemic. One-third of adults reported decreased income during the pandemic, and 10% of adults were left uninsured during early 2021. (The Commonwealth Fund, July 16, 2021)

Apoorva Mandavilli shares new research detailing the increased odds of COVID-19 in those living with HIV. (NYT, July 15, 2021)

CAPC offers an expanded toolkit of COVID-19 resources in their COVID-19 Rapid Resource Hub. (CAPC)

Rogers-Brown et al. compare outcomes among patients enrolled in cancer rehabilitation programs with post-acute COVID patients enrolled in rehab programs. The post-acute COVID patients demonstrated worse physical health and significantly higher health care use, suggesting that post-acute COVID patients may require tailored rehabilitation services. (MMWR, July 9, 2021)

Reed Abelson covers the continued impact of social isolation in the US despite improvements in vaccinations. Findings from a 50-state COVID-19 survey found that men are more socially isolated than women when considering caring and emotional support, and that populations with lower incomes and less education appeared to recover from isolation more slowly. (NYT, July 8, 2021)

Richardson and Coppin share their healthcare systems path to implementing the Transitional Care Model in an Advisor Series brief for the American Nurse. Collaboration and skilled transitional care nurses are key to improved outcomes. (June 29, 2021)

The Commonwealth Fund covers the expansion of telemedicine during COVID-19 at the state level and shares policy considerations for the future. (The Commonwealth Fund, June 23, 2021)

Laura Holson updates her recovery experience from long-Covid and her continued effort to shed light on the helplessness so many Americans are still living with a year later. (NYT, June 21, 2021)

Pam Belluck covers the results of a FAIR Health White Paper discussing private healthcare claims data on long-haul COVID patients. In this sample, 23% of patients sought medical treatment for a new condition a month or more after the initial infection. (NYT, June 15, 2021)

Ted Alcorn writes on the challenges presented by home-care nursing shortages for caregivers and how that particularly impacts disabled children. (NYT, June 4, 2021)

Paula Span discusses how COVID-19 has been a barrier to additional care for older adults and the subsequent pressure this puts on family caregivers. (NYT, May 21, 2021)

The National Academy of Medicine has released the first discussion paper in a new series “Emerging Stronger After COVID-19: Priorities for Health System Transformation,” assessing nine key sectors. In this first perspective, McClellan et al. identify opportunities to align health care payment incentives to address health inequities and chronic diseases in a shift to value-based care. (National Academy Medicine, May 17, 2021)

Jan Hoffman for the NYT writes on the willingness of Latino adults to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, despite low current vaccination rates in this population. (Also see Hamel et al., for KFF survey results.) (NYT, May 14, 2021)

Hamel et al. report on the ongoing KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor project that highlights the disproportionate toll the pandemic has taken on Hispanic adults in the U.S. Many express concerns that reflect access-related barriers to vaccination, including missing work due to side effects, out of pocket costs despite the fact the vaccine is free, receiving vaccine in a trusted place, or being able to travel to a vaccination site. (KFF, May 13, 2021)

Michael Ollove discusses the impact of long-haul COVID-19 on renewed efforts to extend home- and community-based palliative care. (Washington Post, May 10, 2021)

Reed Abelson comments on families’ perspectives on nursing homes following the pandemic. (NYT, May 6, 2021)

In the latest Long-Term Care Poll on trends in aging at home, 88% of respondents would prefer to receive ongoing care at home or with loved ones as they age. The greatest concern reported was losing their independence. More than half also received health care at home via telehealth during the pandemic. (The Associated Press-Center for Public Affairs Research, May 3, 2021)

Apoorva Mandavilli discusses the possibility of herd immunity not being attainable in the foreseeable future. (NYT, May 3, 2021)

Jonathan Rothwell discusses how education impacts job loss during the pandemic. (NYT, May 3, 2021)

Corallo et al. report on challenges community health centers providing COVID-19 vaccinations are currently experiencing. Staffing clinics has increasingly become more of a challenge than vaccine supply, based on the KFF poll. (KFF April 22, 2021)

Kari Webb, a nurse, and her family share their experience as healthcare workers, and her recovery from the virus and a double lung transplant. (AP, April 22, 2021)

Since the start of 2021, hospitalizations of older adults in the US have fallen as more vaccinations occur. (AP, April 22, 2021)

The virus has left many Americans with long-term, often debilitating symptoms. Numerous studies have demonstrated how palliative care improves the quality of life for patients. Expanding the full array of palliative care service delivered in patients’ homes is needed. (Stateline, PEW April 20, 2021)

An inside look at nurses and home health aides in long-term services and supports with Bryce Covert. (The Atlantic, April 16, 2021)

Weiland and Smith discuss the Biden administration’s response to surging COVID cases in Michigan. (NYT, April 12, 2021)

Larson and Stroud introduce NASEM report findings and recommendations for research and to improve dementia care. (JAMA, April 9, 2021)

Many patients have neurological complaints post-infection, regardless of the severity of their symptoms. Clinics across the US are helping ‘long COVID’ [Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC)] patients with lingering neurocognitive problems. (The Atlantic, April 9, 2021)

In latest “Transforming Care” brief, Hostetter and Klein discuss patient engagement that goes beyond satisfaction surveys, and present examples of community partnerships during the pandemic. (The Commonwealth Fund, April 8, 2021)

The Washington Post/KFF Survey Project: Latest poll reveals the mental health challenges facing frontline health care workers. More than half reported worry or stress has had a negative impact on their mental health. (Washington Post, April 6, 2021; KFF, April 6, 2021)

Sheri Fink for the NYT reviews a LA hospital’s efforts to support COVID-19 patients following ICU stays. (NYT, April 1, 2021)

What COVID-19 Taught Us About Telemedicine (WSJ, March 28, 2021)

Kamp discusses the evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine effort is protecting older Americans. (WSJ, March 26, 2021)

Riley et al. discuss the management of Medicare beneficiaries with chronic illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic who are at further risk due to disruption in essential health services. CMS has deployed strategies such as waivers to expand telemedicine services and shift more services to outpatient and home-based care. (The Commonwealth Fund, March 18, 2021)

Reed Abelson discusses concerns following delayed cancer screenings. (NYT, March 17, 2021)

Pam Belluck discusses preprint information on long-term effects on COVID-19 in non-hospitalized patients. (NYT, March 8, 2021)

High Staff Turnover at U.S. Nursing Homes Poses Risks for Residents’ Care (NYT, March 1, 2021)

Mehrotra et al. provide an update on the impact of COVID-19 on outpatient visits in 2020. This report showed a cumulative 5-6% decrease in weekly outpatient visits in 2020. (The Commonwealth Fund, February 22, 2021)

When COVID-19 Hit, Mayo Clinic Had to Rethink Its Technology (WSJ, February 21, 2021)

‘We Are Going to Keep You Safe, Even if it Kills Your Spirit’ (NYT, February 19, 2021)

The many strange long-term symptoms of Covid-19, explained (Vox, December 15, 2020)

Covid survivors with long-term symptoms need urgent attention, experts say (NYT, December 4, 2020)

More than 15% of Americans have had COVID-19, CDC Estimates (WSJ, November 27, 2020)

Exercise after COVID-19? Take it slow (NYT, November 17, 2020)

Reflections of a COVID-19 long hauler (A piece of my mind) (JAMA, November 11, 2020)