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Infectious Disease
AANP Resources by Therapeutic Area
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Update
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
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COVID-19 Symptoms
CDC
Among hospitalized patients, research frequently reports that the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Myalgia or fatigue.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Sore throat.
- Headache.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Symptoms have been found to differ alongside the severity of the disease, and atypical presentations often occur.
The CDC is also currently investigating variants of the virus that causes COVID-19, several of which appear to spread more quickly and easily than other variants and may be associated with different symptoms and, therefore, treatments.
American College of Gastroenterology
The American College of Gastroenterology, in partnership with other gastroenterology (GI) organizations, has released a message sharing additional GI-related COVID-19 symptoms:
- The incidence of GI symptoms including nausea and/or diarrhea are uncertain with some reports below 5% and others at 50%. There have been some reports of isolated diarrhea preceding cough and fever.
- The virus may be present in GI secretions and viral RNA is detectable in stool. Gastrointestinal infection and potential fecal-oral transmission must be considered.
- Asymptomatic spread can occur during the prodromal phase (the mean incubation period is around five days, with a range of zero to 14 days), with viral shedding greatest when symptoms begin.
- Abnormal liver enzymes are observed in 20-30% of patients confirmed to have COVID-19.
- Leukocyte counts drop in patients confirmed to have COVID-19, and elevated white blood cell count is a poor prognostic sign.
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COVID-19 High-risk Populations
CDC
People who are at a higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Adults aged 65 years or older.
- People who have serious underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, lung disease and more.
Additionally, nurse practitioners (NPs) should encourage extra precautions for patients who:
- Have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or someone diagnosed with pneumonia of an unknown cause.
- Are currently experiencing homelessness.
- Currently smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are of an ethnic or racial minority.
- Have a disability, developmental or behavioral disorder or substance use disorder.
- Are living in a nursing home or long-term care facility.
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)
This association has a number of resources available for health care providers who treat patients with autoimmune disease, including free webinar recordings, frequently asked questions (FAQs), informational pieces written by AARDA leadership and much more.
American College of Cardiology (ACC)
This association offers a COVID-19 hub, with resources including journal articles, webinars, podcast episodes, operational guidance, clinical guidance and more.
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
ADA has hosted a webinar series for health care providers and people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, ranging from the impact COVID-19 can have on youth with diabetes and families in quarantine to inpatient care questions.
American Heart Association (AHA)
The AHA has helpful resources for health systems, clinics, care providers, patients and the public, including clinical research journal articles, informational videos, podcast episodes, emergency guidance and more.
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
ASMBS has released a series of webinars, including one on keeping patients engaged and avoiding caregiver burnout and one sharing considerations for restarting metabolic and bariatric surgery in the context of COVID-19. Both webinars also feature a family nurse practitioner (FNP) as a panelist.
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
Patients with addiction are a vulnerable population, facing multiple challenges during COVID-19. The ASAM Caring for Patients During the COVID-19 (CPDC) Task Force was started to provide the most up-to-date resources for clinicians regarding addiction medicine treatment.
Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (ADCES)
Learn from ADCES diabetes experts, who provide insight on topics like telehealth, coping with COVID-19, reducing risk and problem-solving, medication resources, misinformation and disease prevention.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS announced a national hotline to connect people with disabilities to information and services to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines. DIAL is now available to help people with disabilities find vaccination locations in their communities, assist callers with making vaccination appointments and connect callers to local services, such as accessible transportation, to overcome barriers to vaccination. Information on DIAL is available through the Administration for Community Living DIAL webpage.
Exercise Is Medicine® (EIM)
Together with the American College of Sports Medicine®, EIM has created a tool kit of resources and support for keeping your patients active during the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Academy of Medicine (NAM)
A webinar series from NAM and the American Society of Addiction Medicine is designed to provide insight and targeted guidance for health care providers caring for individuals with substance use disorders.
National Council for Behavioral Health (NCBH)
Many of your patients are no doubt experiencing some level of depression or anxiety due to isolation and stress caused by COVID-19. The NCBH has developed resources to help you provide some comfort during this difficult time, along with clinical guidance, information for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and more.
National Organization for Rare Disorders® (NORD)
NORD has on-demand video and webinars, patient assistance programs and weekly state-focused virtual discussion groups, among other resources for vulnerable patient populations.
New Jersey Perinatal Care During COVID-19 Work Group
Neonatologists, obstetricians, midwives, social workers and others have developed comprehensive recommendations for pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result, Recommendations of the New Jersey Perinatal Care During COVID-19 Work Group, is now being distributed throughout the state to guide clinicians, families and caregivers. The report will be regularly updated.
The Obesity Society
The Obesity Society has a number of articles available for free detailing the impact of COVID-19 upon patients with obesity. This includes how school closings may lead to the risk of increased weight gain in children, the impact upon bariatric surgery and more.
Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)
The ONS has released interim guidelines for the safe handling of hazardous cancer drugs in the context of personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, along with other resources for oncology nurses.
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COVID-19 Testing
CDC
The CDC offers recommendations on viral and antibody testing. CDC guidance reinforces the need to test asymptomatic persons, including close contacts of a person with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection.
FDA
The FDA has released Screening for COVID-19: Deciding Which Test to Use When Establishing Testing Programs, in addition to a helpful video explaining the different tests currently available for COVID-19.
The FDA maintains a list of EUAs issued for tests in response to COVID-19. As of August 24, the FDA has authorized 403 tests and sample collection devices under emergency use authorizations (EUAs), which include 283 molecular tests and sample collection devices, 87 antibody and other immune response tests and 33 antigen tests. In addition, there are 58 molecular authorizations and one antibody authorization that can be used with home-collected samples. Finally, there is one molecular prescription at-home test; three antigen prescription at-home tests; six over-the-counter, at-home antigen tests; and two over-the-counter molecular tests.
Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement
Before you set up or start working at an off-site COVID-19 testing center, review this infographic from the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement and QUALIDIGM. It lists items you should consider, such as how to determine testing capacity, create a follow-up process for results and get reimbursed for testing.
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COVID-19 Immunization and Treatment
Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) Partnership
This partnership will develop a collaborative framework to prioritize vaccine and drug candidates, streamline clinical trials, coordinate regulatory processes and/or leverage assets among all involved partners to rapidly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics.
CDC
The CDC is tracking the latest COVID-19 vaccine news, and offers information about vaccine recommendations, how researchers are ensuring the safety of vaccines, how COVID-19 vaccines work and other details.
A number of COVID-19 vaccine resources are now available, including:
- Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People: As of July 27, the CDC recommends the public to wear a mask indoors in public when in an area of substantial or high transmission in order to maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent its spread.
- COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People: As of August 13, the CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least four weeks after a second dose.
- Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit.
- Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccination.
- Clinical Considerations for Myocarditis and Pericarditis After Receipt of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Among Adolescents and Young Adults.
- Vaccination Considerations for People With Underlying Medical Conditions.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Recipient Education Toolkit for Health Care Professionals.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit for Long-term Care Facilities.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit for Health Departments and Other Public Health Partners.
- Pediatric Healthcare Professionals COVID-19 Vaccination Toolkit.
- COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
- Community-based Organizations COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Planning and Partnerships.
- Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations.
- Clinical Considerations for COVID-19 Vaccination.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Operational Guidance for Jurisdictions Playbook.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Program Provider Requirements.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Training and Education.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting Data Systems.
- V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker.
- Building Vaccine Confidence and How to Talk to Your Patients About COVID-19 Vaccination.
- COVID-19 Vaccine-specific Product Information.
COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project
AANP is a partner organization of the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, which raises awareness, provides education, promotes the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine and advocates for equitable access to authorized and approved vaccines. Use the #CountMeInCOVIDVx hashtag in all of your social media posts to promote the campaign and share your reason for be "counted in" for COVID-19 vaccination.
FDA
The FDA has approved the first COVID-19 vaccine: the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, which will now be marketed as Comirnaty, for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. Previously available under EUA, this Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine remains available for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals under that EUA.
The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the FDA currently monitors the safety of authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Along with the approved vaccine, the FDA has issued three emergency use authorizations (EUAs) to:
- The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
- Available data supports the use of two specified doses, with 21 days between the first and second dose, as well as an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
- On May 10, the FDA expanded the EUA to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age.
- The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
- Available data supports the use of two specified doses, with 28 days between the first and second dose, as well as an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.
- The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
- Only one dose is currently required.
- The FDA and CDC released a statement on the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The FDA and CDC determined that the previously recommended pause regarding the use of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine has resumed.
- On July 13, revisions to the vaccine recipient and vaccination provider fact sheets for the Janssen Vaccine were made to include information pertaining to an observed increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following vaccination.
AANP is committed to ensuring that NP have access to the latest COVID-19 vaccine information so they can educate patients on the importance of vaccination, and the association urges the public to get vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.
The FDA has approved one drug treatment (Veklury/remdesivir) for COVID-19 and has authorized others for emergency use during the public health emergency.
On April 16, the FDA revoked the EUA that allowed for the investigational monoclonal antibody therapy bamlanivimab, when administered alone, to be used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and certain pediatric patients.
The FDA offers both a list of diagnostic tests and medical devices and a list of therapeutics that have been approved to treat COVID-19 under EUAs.
Convalescent plasma has the potential to lessen the severity or shorten the length of illness caused by COVID-19. The FDA is currently encouraging people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 for at least two weeks to contact their local blood or plasma collection center to schedule an appointment to donate plasma.
HHS
Based on a patient's age, length of time experiencing symptoms and medical conditions, they may be eligible for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment. As of January 6, HHS had allocated more than 641,000 COVID-19 monoclonal antibody patient treatment courses to states and territories. However, only about 25% of these treatment courses have been used in authorized patient populations. The FDA has authorized two monoclonal antibody treatments for emergency use: bamlanivimab, casirivimab and imdevimab.
Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA)
Guidelines on the treatment and management of COVID-19 are available from IDSA. The evidence-based guidelines were developed using the GRADE methodology and are frequently updated. A panel of infectious disease clinicians, pharmacists and methodologists with varied areas of expertise created the guidelines.
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
NCSBN has released a joint statement with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the Federation of State Medical Boards on the inappropriate prescribing and stockpiling of medications, including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, to prevent or treat COVID-19 for themselves or their family members.
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
The NFID has released COVID-19 Communications: Promoting Prevention Measures and Vaccine Confidence, a report designed to summarize information from an NFID virtual roundtable and present a scalable communications framework to help leaders ensure that their communications encourage patients and the public to protect themselves, their families and their communities from COVID-19.
The NFID also released a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the COVID-19 vaccines. Health care professionals and the general public can use this resource for information about mRNA vaccines, dosing timeframes, vaccine safety and vaccine administration.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The NIH has released COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines, which will be frequently updated as more information on the disease becomes available.
The NIH also releases updates on clinical trials, studies, training and other information related to COVID-19. See the current list of clinical trials.
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Group
NEJM Group has a free, interactive clinical reasoning resource designed to help health care providers navigate the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. NEJM Group plans to maintain the free case simulations for a number of months.
Operation Warp Speed
From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Operation Warp Speed's goal is to produce and deliver 300 million doses of safe and effective vaccines. Initial doses were planned as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
The SCCM COVID-19 Rapid Resource Center contains information on medical nutrition therapy, unanticipated consequences of the pandemic and pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome. The educational resources are available in a variety of formats, including infographics, podcasts and journal articles.
We Can Do This
AANP is a founding member of We Can Do This, a HHS campaign to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence while reinforcing basic prevention measures. Learn more about how the campaign is educating the public and find resources for your community, including fact sheets, a podcast, toolkits, tip sheets, messages for social media and more.
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COVID-19 Infection Control
CDC
The CDC recommends mask wearing in public settings and when people are around others not in their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
All health care providers, including NPs, should take steps to prepare for COVID-19 in their practice as well as follow recommended infection control procedures to protect themselves and others:
- Limit how germs can enter health care facilities. This may include:
- Canceling elective procedures.
- Using telehealth when possible.
- Limiting points of entry and managing visitors.
- Screening patients for respiratory symptoms.
- Encouraging patient respiratory hygiene using alternatives to face masks.
- Isolate symptomatic patients as soon as possible. This may include:
- Setting up separate, well-ventilated triage areas.
- Placing patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in private rooms with the door closed and with a private bathroom.
- Prioritizing airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) for patients undergoing aerosol-generating procedures.
- Protect health care personnel. This may include:
- Emphasizing hand hygiene.
- Installing barriers to limit contact with patients at points of triage.
- Limiting the number of staff members providing care.
- Prioritizing respirators and AIIRs for aerosol-generating procedures.
- Properly donning and doffing recommended PPE.
- Implementing PPE optimization strategies to extend supplies.
- Implementing strategies to optimize the supply of N95 respirators.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces in all high-traffic, frequently touched areas and at home, including:
- Stair rails, escalator handrails, office computers and phones.
- Steering wheels and car door handles.
- Home door handles and faucet handles, refrigerator and drawer handles, remote controls, and computer keyboards and mice.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
CMS released guidance on reopening health care facilities to provide non-emergent, non-COVID-19 care. The first phase includes the continued use of telehealth-delivered care, facility considerations and PPE recommendations for clinicians and patients, among other information.
American College of Gastroenterology
The American College of Gastroenterology, in partnership with other gastroenterology (GI) organizations, has released a message sharing additional guidelines for infection control in for clinicians and GI practices.
- Limit how germs can enter health care facilities. This may include:
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COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
CDC
If health care providers are in close contact with a patient confirmed to have COVID-19 while not wearing all recommended PPE, they may be at an increased risk of infection. To limit this risk, health care providers should use appropriate PPE; properly don, use and doff PPE; practice hand hygiene; and review guidance on returning to work after a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.
The CDC offers two documents designed to help providers cope with stress and build mental resilience during the pandemic: for health care personnel and for emergency responders.
In addition, the CDC recommends health care personnel be among those offered the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
FDA
The FDA maintains lists of EUAs issued in response to COVID-19, which include ventilators and other medical devices that serve to reduce patient and health care provider contact and exposure to COVID-19. In addition, the FDA offers information on PPE and other resources relevant to NPs, including:
- N95 respirators, surgical masks and face masks.
- Medical gloves.
- Medical gowns.
- Medical glove conservation strategies.
- Surgical mask and gown conservation strategies.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA has updated guidance and resources available on using, reusing and decontaminating filtering facepiece respirators. OSHA also has guidance protecting workers in nursing home and long-term care facilities.
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COVID-19 Telehealth
CDC
Telehealth is suggested by the CDC as an alternative for in-office appointments, as triaging and assessing ill patients by telephone, text monitoring system, video conference or other telehealth methods can reduce the chance of exposure for staff members and minimize a surge on health care facilities.
AANP
AANP's COVID-19 Telehealth Updates include several Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) documents related to telehealth, as well as information on policies and legislation affecting telehealth-delivered care.
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COVID-19 Funding
NIH
The NIH offers information on both grants and funding opportunities specific to COVID-19, as well as guidance and frequently asked questions for researchers.
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COVID-19 Research
AANP
AANP conducted three surveys dedicated to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on NPs:
- 2021 Membership Survey: COVID-19 Vaccination Summary: AANP fielded its most recent member survey between March 19 and April 16, 2021, to capture general information about member satisfaction with benefits and services as well as current hot topics, including questions related to COVID-19 vaccinations and their patients' experiences. More than 1,200 NPs responded to questions related to COVID-19 vaccines.
- August 2020 Survey: AANP fielded its most recent survey between July 28 and August 9 to capture the latest information on COVID-19’s impact on NPs and NP practice. Approximately 4,000 NPs provided essential feedback to the association based on experiences in their own communities treating patients in evolving health care environments.
- May 2020 COVID-19 Survey: More than 4,800 NPs responded to the first COVID-19 Impact Survey between May 8 and May 18, 2020. The purpose of this survey was to gather information on how COVID-19 impacted NPs and NP practice, including testing needs, employment changes, treatment barriers and more. This information is essential as AANP works to address the challenges faced by NPs in the current environment, including advocating for the removal of practice barriers.
AcademyHealth
AcademyHealth is supporting a new initiative that aims to build a COVID-19 Patient Data Registry Network. The goal of the network is to provide researchers, policymakers and clinicians with quality information on the impact and progression of COVID-19.
AcademyHealth has also identified priority research questions on COVID-19 for health systems. The report includes questions on how COVID-19 is impacting health system policies, processes, providers and patient care.
American Association for Public Opinion Research
The American Association for Public Opinion Research has released guidance for survey researchers and IRBs. The guidance covers risks and benefits for survey participants, informed consent, mandatory reporting and incentives.
Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP)
AAHRPP has issued guidance how to protect research participants and report any study changes to an Institutional Review Board (IRB). AAHRPP’s suggestions align with the Food and Drug Administration’s guidance on conducting clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance
The Alliance is in the process of creating a secure, de-identified, international case reporting registry in order to help guide rheumatology clinicians in assessing and treating patients with rheumatologic disease and in evaluating the risk of infection in patients on immunosuppression.
EBSCO
EBSCO has created a COVID-19 Information Portal to support the immediate need for trusted health care information during the pandemic. This includes open access resources and research, clinical care information and data maps and visualizations.
FDA
The FDA has released guidance for industry, investigators and institutional review boards (IRBs) interested in conducting clinical trials of medical products during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Health Affairs
A collection of preprint journal articles and other resources related to COVID-19 are available from Health Affairs. Additionally, several published journal articles are available at no cost to the public.
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
IHI offers COVID-19 guidance and resources for health care providers, including a free weekly learning hour on COVID-19, a data dashboard on the trajectory of COVID-19 reported deaths and a daily call for health care providers working in nursing homes.
The Lancet
To assist researchers and clinicians, The Lancet has established a COVID-19 Resource Centre. Articles and podcasts on the effects of the virus on prisoners, misinformation and vaccine development are available for free.
MedRxiv
To promote open access and share key information on COVID-19 research, medRxiv is preprinting research articles. While articles should not be used to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior, since they have not yet been peer reviewed, they can be used to start a dialogue on current and future COVID-19 research.
NIH
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH, has launched a COVID-19 Prevention Trials Network (COVPN) for vaccines, and other prevention tools, with the aim of enrolling in thousands of volunteers in large-scale clinical trials testing. Individuals can securely volunteer for studies on the NIH website.
Additional Updates:
- The NIH Office of Intramural Research has created a COVID-19 Scientific Interest Group. Scientists within the NIH are invited to contribute to the group to exchange information concerning research on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2.
- The NIAID has released the four key priorities of its strategic plan for COVID-19 research, which include improving our knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19; developing rapid, accurate diagnostics and assays to identify and isolate COVID-19 cases and track the spread of the virus; characterizing and testing potential treatments for COVID-19; and developing safe and effective vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks both now and in the future.
- The NIH initiative, Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx), is designed to speed innovation, development and commercialization of testing technologies related to COVID-19 and is supported through a $1.5 billion investment from federal stimulus funding.
National Library of Medicine
A number of drugs are under investigation in clinical trials or are being considered for clinical trials to treat COVID-19.
Additional Updates:
- Researchers have identified the genomic features of SARS-CoV-2 (as well as other high-fatality coronaviruses) to distinguish the virus that causes COVID-19 from other members of the coronavirus family.
- LitCOVID is the NIH and NLM literature hub for up-to-date research articles about COVID-19. The articles are updated daily and are categorized by different research topics and geographic locations.
PCORI
The PCORI Healthcare Worker Exposure Response & Outcomes (HERO) Registry is a large, national clinical research community. It invites health care workers from across the U.S. to share clinical and life experiences to understand the perspectives and problems they face on the COVID-19 pandemic front lines. HERO Registry participants could have the opportunity to participate in future research studies to improve our understanding of COVID-19 and beyond, generating evidence to help keep healthcare workers safe and healthy. The first study, the HERO-HCQ Trial, will invite 15,000 health care workers from the registry to evaluate whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19 infections.
In May, the PCORI Health Care Horizon Scanning System (HCHSS) expanded to include information on COVID-19-related preventive measures, diagnostics, treatments and management strategies. The HCHSS will release biweekly COVID-19 briefs for the next 12 months.
Primary Care Collaborative and The Larry A. Green Center
Results from the Primary Care Collaborative and The Larry A. Green Center survey indicate that many clinicians do not have adequate testing capabilities and personal protective equipment. The results also reflect that lack of information on the prevalence of COVID-19 in the U.S.
World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR)
Public opinion research on COVID-19 is being conducted all over the world. Reports from those studies have been collected by WAPOR from Gallup Pakistan, Kstat, Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, Pew Research Center and other research institutes. The list is publicly available and still accepting research studies.
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COVID-19 Student Resources
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
AANPCB, alongside a number of additional NP and nursing organizations and accrediting bodies, has released a statement regarding NP students and direct care clinical hours.
American College Health Association
New guidelines are available from the American College Health Association on how to safely reopen college campuses. The guidelines are broad so that small and large institutions can easily modify them to fit their campuses.
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COVID-19 Health Disparities
AANP
AANP has released a position paper on its commitment to addressing health care disparities during COVID-19. As a professional home for NPs, AANP is committed to empowering all NPs to advance high-quality, equitable care while addressing health care disparities through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership (PEARL).
COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project
AANP is a partner organization of the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project, which raises awareness, provides education, promotes the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine and advocates for equitable access to authorized and approved vaccines. Use the #CountMeInCOVIDVx hashtag in all of your social media posts to promote the campaign and share your reason for be "counted in" for COVID-19 vaccination.
HHS
HHS has released a Trusted Voices video series to promote vaccine acceptance, particularly in communities of color and other historically marginalized communities.
NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) Against COVID-19 Disparities
CEAL has released information and resources for health care providers to address misinformation, build trust and reduce the impact of COVID-19. From sample social media posts and images to infographics and patient education tools, CEAL can help providers talk with their communities about COVID-19, vaccines under development and the importance of being included in research studies.
HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH)
OMH has released a video series titled #vaccineready to support racial and ethnic minority populations and American Indian and Alaska Native communities in practicing COVID-19 safety measures, seeking accurate facts about COVID-19 vaccines, sharing accurate vaccine information and getting vaccinated when doses are available.
U.S. Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau has created a dashboard to show states' COVID-19 impact planning reports, nationwide demographic and economic analysis and additional data on how the pandemic is impacting communities and Americans across the U.S.
We Can Do This
AANP is a founding member of We Can Do This, a HHS campaign to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence while reinforcing basic prevention measures. Learn more about how the campaign is educating the public and find resources for your community, including fact sheets, a podcast, toolkits, tip sheets, messages for social media and more.
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COVID-19 Continuing Education (CE)
Available in the AANP CE Center:
- Connect, Engage: Televisits for Children With Asthma During COVID-19 and After — 1.0 contact hours of CE; AANP members only.
- Role of Primary Care in Suicide Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic — 1.0 contact hours of CE; AANP members only.
Available at the 2021 AANP National Conference:
- The Health Wagon: Leading Through A Pandemic (presented live; recording available on demand).
- COVID-19 NPs Lead the Way: Part 1 (presented live; recording available on demand).
- COVID-19 NPs Lead the Way: Part 2 (presented live; recording available on demand).
- Impact of COVID-19 on Men's, Women's and Children's Health (on demand).
- Occupational & Environmental Health Nursing in the Time of COVID (on demand).
- Telepsychiatry: Light Years Forward, Changes in Psychiatric Nursing Practice Secondary to COVID-19 (on demand).
Patient Education Resources Related to COVID-19
- Infographic: Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 – Five Best Practices for Keeping Yourself and Those Around You Safe.
- Infographic: What Are COVID-19 Symptoms.
- Infographic: Protect Yourself and Others From COVID-19.
- Form: Being Prepared in the Time of COVID-19 – The Conversation Project created this form for patients to complete, which will help them prepare during the pandemic. The form contains information on how to designate a health care decision-maker and how patients can communicate with their loved ones about what they would want if they became seriously ill.
Infectious Disease CE Courses
The AANP CE Center offers a wide variety of free continuing education (CE) activities for members and nonmembers. The activities are updated frequently, and more than a dozen infectious disease-related options are currently available.
NP Tools and Resources
AANP-developed Resources to Support NPs in Treating Your Patients
- Practice Brief: Measles: Recommendations for Assessment, Treatment and Prevention.
- Practice Brief: Strategies to Prevent Clostridium Difficile Infections in Acute Care Hospitals: 2014 Update.
- Position Statement: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Patient Education Tools and Resources
COVID-19
This patient handout provides education on COVID-19 vaccination in simple language and includes common terms around vaccination and information on expected side effects. The handout enables the patient and provider to start the shared clinical decision-making process so the patient can make an informed decision about COVID-19 vaccination. In addition to an English version, this handout is provided in French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Vietnamese.
- COVID-19 Vaccination: What you Need to Know to Be an Informed Health Care Consumer (French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese)
Supported by an educational grant from Janssen Therapeutics, Division of Janssen Products, LP.
Influenza
Healthy Habits to Prevent Influenza Handout
This two-page patient handout discusses influenza prevention on page one and influenza treatment, including tips for taking antiviral medications, on page two. This handout can be printed and placed in waiting rooms and exam rooms or handed to patients to promote clinical discussions around influenza prevention and treatment.
Made possible by educational grants from Seqirus and Genentech, a member of the Roche group.
Meningococcal Disease
Importance of Preventing Meningococcal Disease Handout
This engaging patient handout can be given out to help parents and patients understand the risks and symptoms of serogroup B meningococcal disease, as well as how to prevent it with the recommended vaccines for ages 11-23. The ultimate goal of this handout is to give parents and patients the information they need to make an informed decision about the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine.
Supported by an educational grant from GlaxoSmithKline.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C HALO Patient Tool
Download, print and distribute this self-care guide to your patients after they are cured to give them easy to reference answers to common questions and tips for keeping their liver healthy long-term.
HALO concept courtesy of Southern California GI and Liver Centers, Coronado, CA.
External Resources
Conveniently Curated Information from Other Top Sources
There are many resources available for both patients and providers and we have listed some of them below for your convenience. Inclusion of these links does not imply AANP endorsement.
Ebola
- Evaluating Patients for Possible Ebola Virus Disease: Recommendations for Health Care Personnel and Health Officials.
- Ebola Virus.
- Signs and Symptoms.
- Early Recognition Is Critical.
- Algorithm for Evaluation of the Returned Traveler.
- EVD Information for Clinicians in U.S. Health Care Settings.
- Tightened Guidance for U.S. Health Care Workers on Personal Protective Equipment for Ebola – October 20, 2014.
- Sequence for Putting on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Diagnosis.
- Treatment.
- Infographics and Illustrations.
Hepatitis C
- VA Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C Recommendations.
- CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Screening.
Measles
Vaccination
- Adolescent Vaccination: Provides resources and professional tools highlighting the importance of vaccination to protect U.S. adolescents from vaccine-preventable diseases and supporting a comprehensive approach to improving vaccination rates. Information is available for the general public, health care professionals and the media.
- Adult Vaccination: Provides information on the impact of infectious diseases on adults and vaccines available to provide protection. Resources include disease-specific background sheets and practice toolkits for health care professionals. Select materials are available in Spanish. Information is available for the general public, health care professionals and the media.
- Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition: Provides pediatric-focused information and resources on seasonal influenza and vaccination for consumers, healt care professionals and the media.
- Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) Express Weekly email that provides new and updated vaccine recommendations from the CDC and new vaccine licensures from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
- 2019 Immunization Schedules: The 2019 adult and adolescent immunization schedules are available online via the CDC. Additional resources for health care providers are also available, including vaccine safety, storage, administration and standards.