Title: Nursing Home Residents Lack Access to Antiviral Treatments for COVID-19, Study Finds
Introduction:
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester and Harvard University has revealed that elderly and frail nursing home residents have been disproportionately neglected when it comes to receiving antiviral treatments for COVID-19. This crucial finding emphasizes the need to prioritize the most vulnerable populations and improve access to life-saving therapies during the pandemic.
Insufficient Prescription Rates for Antiviral Medications:
The study analyzed prescribing data reported to Medicare by nursing homes, focusing on the period between May 2021 and December 2022. Shockingly, the data showed that only approximately 25 percent of nursing home residents with COVID-19 were prescribed any form of antiviral medication during this time. Despite the availability of the highly effective Paxlovid pill from Pfizer, the majority of elderly patients did not receive the treatment they needed.
Need for Improved Distribution:
The researchers noted that nursing homes could have done better in terms of distributing antiviral treatments, particularly after the widespread availability of Paxlovid from the second quarter of 2022. Unlike earlier monoclonal antibody treatments that required transfusions, Paxlovid is an oral pill, making it easier to administer. The study also highlighted the authorization of another antiviral tablet, Lagevrio from Merck, which is not as effective as Paxlovid.
Avoidable Mortality Among Nursing Home Residents:
Michael Barnett, a clinician and professor of health management and policy at the Harvard School of Public Health, stated that the underuse of Paxlovid among nursing home residents may have led to avoidable deaths. Clinical trials had shown that Paxlovid significantly reduced the risk of death and hospitalization, particularly for high-risk individuals, including the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.
Challenges Faced by Nursing Homes:
The analysis revealed that clinicians may have been unfamiliar with antiviral treatments during the study period, leading to lower prescription rates. Additionally, patients may have been discouraged by reports of potential COVID-19 “rebound” even after initial successful treatment with antiviral pills. The nursing home industry trade association acknowledged that facilities encountered difficulties with both supply and prescribing guidance for physicians.
Call for Clear Guidance and Priority for Vulnerable Populations:
The nursing home industry trade association stressed the importance of public health officials prioritizing the nation’s most vulnerable populations and providing clear guidance to healthcare professionals during a pandemic. Nursing homes with an affiliated geriatrician and non-profit organizations demonstrated better performance in ensuring access to antiviral medications for infected residents. Residents on Medicaid and non-White residents received the drugs at lower rates, indicating disparities in access.
Conclusion:
The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for nursing homes and healthcare professionals to prioritize the well-being of elderly and frail nursing home residents by ensuring access to antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Efforts must be made to address knowledge gaps among clinicians, improve prescription rates, and overcome supply challenges to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization among the most vulnerable populations.