Becker's Hospital Review

18 CMO / CARE DELIVERY Long COVID patients call for more treatment- focused research By Mackenzie Bean P atient advocacy groups are expressing frustration over the federal government's lack of progress in identifying long COVID treatments, NPR reported Nov. 25. Although the government has allocated $1.15 billion for long COVID research, no new treatments have emerged for the estimated 17 million adults living with the condition, according to CDC figures. "It's unconscionable that more than four years since this began, we still don't have one FDA- approved drug," Meighan Stone, executive director of Long COVID Campaign, a patient advocacy group, told NPR. The National Institutes of Health's long COVID research initiative has largely focused on observational and pathobiology studies to understand how the condition's effects, rather than clinical trials for potential treatments. Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, chief of research and development at the VA St. Louis Healthcare System, said that the lack of clinical trials forces physicians to rely on assumptions, not evidence, when making treatment decisions. While some patients and researchers are urging the NIH to focus more on specific treatment trials, others involved in the initiative argue that good science takes time, particularly for a condition as complex as long COVID. These experts contend that insights from observational studies are necessary to guide the selection of clinical trials for long COVID treatments. The NIH plans to invest another $515 million in long COVID research, with a focus on clinical trials. In October, the agency issued a request for clinical trial research proposals, with submissions due by Feb. 1. The NIH did not respond to NPR's written questions about its next phase of research or make any representatives available for an interview. n 26 straight 'A' safety grades: Inside 1 Northwestern hospital's approach By Kristin Kuchno Ken Hedley and his team at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital are guided by a patient-first mission. "We simply make sure that we do the right thing for our patient, their families and the community, and then everything else follows," Mr. Hedley, the hospital's president, told Becker's. What has followed includes 26 consecutive "A" safety grades from e Leapfrog Group, making the Winfield, Ill.-based hospital one of only 12 in the nation to achieve this distinction. Contributing to this accomplishment is the hospital's culture, which emphasizes the consistent use of safety tools, psychological safety among team members and a strong collaboration between medical and hospital staff, Mr. Hedley said. "ere's an emphasis on team success over personal success, as it's really only through team success that we're able to leverage everybody's talents, backgrounds, ideas and experiences to create solutions that work for the patients and the community," he said. Mr. Hedley also highlighted the support of Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine and the work of local hospital staff, who he said are "truly dedicated to ensuring that we achieve our quality and safety goals with every encounter." Key 2025 initiatives One of the organization's top three priorities for 2025 is leveraging the strength and expertise of its academic medical center to provide advanced care closer to patients' homes. For example, Central DuPage Hospital is building an advanced GI endoscopy center. "Our capability to provide a higher level of endoscopy care in the western suburbs will create a destination for patients," Mr. Hedley said. "at's one of our priorities regarding expanding clinically integrated programs close to where patients live." Meeting access needs is another focus for 2025, which will involve expanding programs, the workforce, diagnostic testing and bed capacity. Plans include adding a new CT scanner to accommodate demand and improving transitions of care for patients awaiting admission. Safety is the hospital's final top priority for 2025, targeting physical safety improvements, and workplace violence prevention and psychological safety. Leadership will continue encouraging team members to ask clarifying questions and "stop the line" when concerns arise. "It really is about empowering every staff member and physician to feel comfortable and confident bringing issues forward," Mr. Hedley said. n

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