[Nursing homes in Portugal during the COVID-19 outbreak: Challenges for the future].

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to explore the perceptions of experts about the performance of nursing homes during the COVID-19 outbreak.

METHOD

A qualitative study was developed in two stages: (1) a focus group, conducted in May 2020, with 5 experts; (2) a modified e-Delphi, implemented in September 2020 with 22 experts, both in the area of assistance in nursing homes from Northern and Center of Portugal.

RESULTS

The results allowed identifying three main areas that influenced the performance of nursing homes during the COVID-19 outbreak: organization models and resources; physical and mental health of residents and; family as a support.

CONCLUSIONS

Older adults residing in nursing homes are particularly vulnerable to severe disease or death from COVID-19. It is emergent that nursing homes prevent physical and mental frailty in older residents and the loneliness aggravated by the pandemic circumstances. Decision-makers need to recognize that older people living in nursing homes have several health needs, which should determine the implementation of new strategies namely the increase in the number of professionals with appropriate skills.