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Research ArticleORIGINAL RESEARCH

A National Study of Community Health Centers’ Readiness to Address COVID-19

April Joy Damian, Melanie Gonzalez, May Oo and Daren Anderson
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine February 2021, 34 (Supplement) S85-S94; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2021.S1.200167
April Joy Damian
the Weitzman Institute, Middletown, CT.
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Melanie Gonzalez
the Weitzman Institute, Middletown, CT.
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May Oo
the Weitzman Institute, Middletown, CT.
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Daren Anderson
the Weitzman Institute, Middletown, CT.
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Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak poses serious health risks, particularly for older adults and persons with underlying chronic medical conditions. Community health centers (CHCs) serve as the patient medical home for populations that are disproportionately more susceptible to COVID-19; yet, there is a lack of understanding of current efforts in place by CHCs to prepare for and respond to the pandemic.

Methods: We used a comprehensive cross-sectional survey and focus groups with health care personnel to understand the needs and current efforts in place by CHCs, and we derived themes from the focus group data.

Results: Survey respondents (n = 234; 19% response rate) identified COVID-19 infection prevention and control (76%), safety precautions (72%), and screening, diagnostic testing, and management of patients (66%) as major educational needs. Focus group findings (n = 39) highlighted 5 key themes relevant to readiness: leadership, resources, workforce capacity, communication, and formal policies and procedures.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated long-standing CHC capacity issues making it challenging for them to adequately respond to the outbreak. Policies promoting greater investment in CHCs may strengthen them to better meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of society, and thereby help flatten the curve.

  • Community Health Centers
  • Community Medicine
  • COVID-19
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Workforce
  • Leadership
  • Pandemics
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Public Health
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
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The Journal of the American Board of Family     Medicine: 34 (Supplement)
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
Vol. 34, Issue Supplement
February 2021
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A National Study of Community Health Centers’ Readiness to Address COVID-19
April Joy Damian, Melanie Gonzalez, May Oo, Daren Anderson
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Feb 2021, 34 (Supplement) S85-S94; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2021.S1.200167

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A National Study of Community Health Centers’ Readiness to Address COVID-19
April Joy Damian, Melanie Gonzalez, May Oo, Daren Anderson
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Feb 2021, 34 (Supplement) S85-S94; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2021.S1.200167
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  • Article
    • Abstract
    • Introduction
    • Methods
    • Results
    • Discussion and Conclusion
    • Acknowledgments
    • Appendix 1. Weitzman Institute COVID-19 Needs Assessment Survey
    • Appendix 2. A Multisite Study of Community Health Centers’ Readiness to Address COVID-19 in the United States
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Keywords

  • Community Health Centers
  • Community Medicine
  • COVID-19
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Workforce
  • Leadership
  • Pandemics
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Public Health
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

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