Needs of long-term nursing in the COVID-19 pandemic

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the associated disease COVID-19 pose major challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Especially the vulnerable group of people in need of long-term care is at risk of suffering a severe course of the disease or of dying from the infection. In a nationwide cross-sectional study the situation and needs of inpatient and outpatient long-term care facilities during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were assessed and analyzed using an online survey. Participants from 531 institutions postulated the need for uniform recommendations for action on SARS-CoV-2, adequate and affordable protective and hygiene materials, serial tests in the institutions, well-founded advice on the implementation of interventions, a specific pandemic plan and supporting public relations work by the media. This calls for higher nursing remuneration, better staffing levels and greater appreciation of the nursing profession. In order to protect the vulnerable group of people in need of nursing care from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, long-term care must be given a stronger focus in health policy measures during the pandemic.