Priorities for Pandemic Management in Care Homes : Recommendations from a Transparent Expert Consultation

Collingridge Moore, Danni and Cotterell, Natalie (2026) Priorities for Pandemic Management in Care Homes : Recommendations from a Transparent Expert Consultation. Research Connections: vmag035. ISSN 3049-5245

Abstract

Background and Aims The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep vulnerabilities within the care home sector, leading to increased deaths and disruption to care delivery. Understanding stakeholder priorities is essential to inform policies that support residents, staff, and relatives during future public health crises. This study aims to identify and prioritise recommendations for pandemic management in care homes from the perspectives of care home staff, relatives, and wider stakeholders in the UK. Methods Six online stakeholder workshops were conducted with 32 participants, generating 19 recommendations. Nominal group technique was used to identify recommendations and a description of what each recommendations looked like in practice. These were included in an online survey completed by 27 participants (84% response rate). Participants ranked recommendations according to perceived importance. Recommendations rated as very or extremely important by over 75% of participants were retained in the final list. Results Twelve recommendations were identified, focusing on four themes: the need for government-issued guidance that is concise, consistent, and tailored to specific subgroups of residents, such as those living with dementia; resident centred care developing partnerships, both with wider interest groups involved in resident care, such as the local authority, the NHS and other care homes, and between staff, residents, and relatives and acknowledging the role and needs of care home staff themselves. These recommendations are interlinked, require resourcing and support to implement, and require putting in place prior to a future pandemic. Conclusions Stakeholder engagement is essential in forming policies and guidance on pandemic preparedness. Incorporating these perspectives into policy development can enhance the feasibility, effectiveness, and equity of future responses, helping to maintain resident wellbeing, support care home staff, and strengthen relationships with relatives of those living in care homes.