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Resources by Topic: COVID-19

Variation in Use of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Monoclonal Antibody Therapies by Social Vulnerability and Urbanicity
Examines the variation in the use of the first two monoclonal antibody therapies for COVID-19 from November 2020 through March 2021. Presents data on the demographic characteristics of monoclonal antibody recipients and social vulnerability indices. Includes a discussion of the use of this therapy by urbanicity and density of primary care physicians.
Author(s): Allison Kolbe
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
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COVID-19 National Emergency: Early Trends in Hospitalizations for Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program Health Conditions and 30-Day Readmission Rates
Provides an overview of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). Describes monthly trends in hospitalizations of Medicare beneficiaries for HRRP conditions before and after the implementation of COVID-19 emergency measures through September 30, 2020. Examines how monthly trends in unadjusted 30-day readmission rates before and after implementation of COVID-19 emergency measures and how these rates differ by sociodemographic characteristics, including rurality. Discusses policy opportunities and interventions to enhance post-discharge follow-up and reduce readmission rates.
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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Report of Health Care Provider Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccination Among Adults, by Recipient COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Attitudes — United States, April–September 2021
Examines provider recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination and the impact of those recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination coverage and attitudes. Includes data for urban (MSA principal city), suburban (MSA nonprincipal city), and rural (non-MSA) areas.
Author(s): Kimberly H. Nguyen, David Yankey, Peng-jun Lu, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 70(50), 1723-1730
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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COVID-19: Selected States Modified Meal Provision and Other Older Americans Act Services to Prioritize Safety
Examines how four states utilized COVID-19 funding and regulatory flexibilities to address challenges to serving older adults during the COVID- 19 pandemic. Identifies strategies states and localities used to meet nutrition and other needs of older adults. Includes perspectives from rural localities and service providers.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Health Care Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Race and Social Determinants of Health among Adults Age ≥ 58 years in the REGARDS Study
Presents results of a survey of Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study participants about their experiences with SARS-CoV-2 testing and access to care. Presents data on COVID-19 testing, symptoms of COVID-19 without a diagnosis, and changes to access to care by participant characteristics, including rural and urban residence.
Author(s): Emily B. Levitan, Virginia J. Howard, Mary Cushman, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 21
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
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Rural Opioid Treatment Program Patient Perspectives on Take-Home Methadone Policy Changes During COVID-19: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis
Study examining patient perspectives following policy changes in take-home methadone treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), based on qualitative interviews with 46 patients from 3 rural opioid treatment programs in Oregon. Highlights main themes related to adapting to the changing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges and benefits of at-home dosing, and future policy and procedural changes.
Author(s): Ximena A. Levander, Kim A. Hoffman, John W. McIlveen, et al.
Citation: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 16, 72
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
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Policy Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Insecurity in Rural America: Evidence from Appalachia
Study examining food access during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural Appalachian community in Kentucky, based on qualitative data from 5 focus groups. Discusses food scarcity, supply chain disruptions, federal food assistance, community food resources, and home gardening, and highlights policy implications related to federal programs and social determinants of health.
Author(s): Kathryn M. Cardarelli, Emily DeWitt, Rachel Gillespie, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(23), 12792
Date: 12/2021
Type: Document
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The COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Rural Hospital Staffing
Summarizes the results of a survey of rural hospital leaders between September 21, 2021 - October 15, 2021, regarding COVID-19 vaccination among rural hospital personnel. Discusses the prevalence of vaccine mandates at rural hospitals and the impact of staffing shortages on access to care.
Date: 11/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: The Chartis Group
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Assessment of State and Federal Health Policies for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Examines state-level policy data from government and nonprofit agencies related to treatment access and treatment retention for patients with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Describes policy changes affecting telehealth coverage, delivery, and payment; issues of licensing and security; and the initiation and dispensing of treatment medications.
Author(s): Seema Chosky Pessar, Anne Boustead, Yimin Ge, Rosanna Smart, Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
Citation: JAMA Health Forum, 2(11), e213833
Date: 11/2021
Type: Document
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Critical Access Hospitals' Initial Response to COVID-19 by System Affiliation
Summarizes results of a survey of Critical Access Hospital (CAH) executives in eight states regarding the initial response to COVID-19 through August 2020. Presents data by system-affiliated and independent CAH status. Discusses COVID-19 case volume, personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, and the perceived impact of system affiliation status on facilities' overall response to COVID-19.
Author(s): Ira Moscovice, Madeleine Pick, Megan Lahr
Date: 11/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Flex Monitoring Team
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