Implementation and Evaluation of an IPAC SWAT Team Mobilized to Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pragmatic Health System Innovation

Abstract

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs), retirement homes (RHs), and other congregate care settings in Canada and worldwide have experienced significant COVID-19 outbreaks. As a health system response, our acute care hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, developed and mobilized an onsite Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) SWAT team (IPAC-SWAT) to regional settings on outbreak and implemented a strategy of support through education, training, and engagement. Between April 28, 2020, and June 30, 2020, IPAC-SWAT assessed 7 LTCFs and 10 RHs for IPAC preparedness and actively managed 10 of 13 COVID-19 outbreaks (LTCF n=5; RH n=5). IPAC-SWAT strategies were multi-interventional and intended to mitigate further viral transmission or prevent outbreaks. Dedicated training of local "IPAC champions" was facilitated at 7 sites (LTCF = 5; RH = 2) using a "train-the-trainer" approach to promote local knowledge, autonomy, and site-led audits and feedback.

Keywords: COVID-19; IPAC; champion; coronavirus; long-term care; outbreak.

Fig. 1

Multidimensional interventions by IPAC-SWAT to LTCFs and RHs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A downloadable PDF of this form is available at www.sciencedirect.com. Strategy of support and interventions provided to LTCFs and RHs to aid COVID-19 outbreak management and preparedness through engagement, education, and training with a strong focus on sustainability of best IPAC practices through training of IPAC champions.