Continuing care operators encouraged to participate
The public health crisis that has ravaged many parts of Canada’s long-term care sector led to growing calls for the federal government to develop “national standards.” That process is now underway, and care providers are now being invited to participate in a survey run by Stats Canada. This survey will allow governments and researchers to examine the correlation between facility operations and personnel, health outcomes of residents, and system-level performance during pandemics or other emergencies.
Questions will be asked about the facility, operating revenues and expenses, personnel and hours worked, and type of care offered. Questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic will cover infection prevention and control, changes made to the facility, and confirmed number of COVID-19 tests. This will help identify factors that impacted COVID-19 outbreaks and how facilities responded. This information will help guide policy decisions to benefit health outcomes for residents and a safe work environment for employees.