New COVID-19 ‘heat map’ will arm providers in fight for PPE and testing, AMDA says

Two associations behind a new “heat map” that visually conveys the prevalence of COVID-19 within assisted living communities and nursing homes across the country say it should help providers make the case for more personal protective equipment, testing and even staffing and additional capacity, if needed, to prevent or contain the spread of the disease.

“We need to know what the picture is for post-acute long-term care, and I think with this heat map, there’s an immediacy about seeing that visual picture,” Christopher E. Laxton, CAE, executive director of AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, told McKnight’s Senior Living. “We’re hoping it’ll really help providers advocate for themselves when they’re in discussions with their local healthcare partners and the local health authorities.”

AMDA developed the tool in collaboration with ASCP (formerly the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists), an association representing those serving the medication needs of older adults. It uses publicly available information released by states, as well as information sourced by members of both organizations. (AMDA members are encouraged to contribute data at https://profile.paltc.org/COVID19-USA-Heat-Map — member login is required.)