An emergency strategy framework for managing Covid-19 in long-term care facilities in Brazil

Abstract

This paper presents a novel policy framework to support government responses to COVID-19 in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in low and middle-income countries. It focuses on issues that are of specific relevance to Brazilian policy-settings, including examples of its local implementation. The CIAT Framework combines and summarises broad elements for an emergency strategy to address the potential effects of COVID-19. The four steps of the Framework entail policies to coordinate, identify, assess and target support. Those policies can be applied immediately to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in LTCFs. It is, however, essential to situate these responses within a more comprehensive and permanent strategy. Inter-sectoral collaboration must evolve into a fully institutionalised system.