Comparing Two Programs to Train Staff to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes

What was the research about? Nursing home residents are at high risk for severe COVID-19 infection. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, nursing homes can follow national guidance on infection control. But only 3 percent of nursing home staff have had training on this topic. In this study, the research team compared two ways to train nursing home staff and administrators in COVID-19 infection control measures: Project ECHO was a 16-week training. Topics included how to screen for COVID-19 symptoms and how to use personal protective equipment. After the training, staff could take optional sessions over nine weeks where they could ask experts questions about related topics. Project ECHO+ offered the same 16-week training as Project ECHO. Then, staff took a nine-week required training course on topics identified by nursing home staff, like how to manage in a crisis and maintain best practices. Finally, staff took an eight-week refresher course focused on topics chosen by nursing home staff and leaders.