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New tool for large-scale identification of COVID-19 risk groups

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ESN partner Raisoft, in collaboration with interRAI, has developed and digitalised a tool to identify and assess particularly vulnerable social groups during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The interRAI COVID-19 Vulnerability Screener (CVS) is a quick, convenient tool to identify persons who may be especially vulnerable. The CVS consists of a self-assessment survey that adults and people with disabilities can use to identify the presence of COVID-19 symptoms, frailty, and major co-morbidities that may lead to increased mortality risks related to COVID-19.

This new CVS can be carried out either by a health care professional or by a lay person, over the phone or in-person. A self-administered version of the CVS is also in development.

CVS can be used to:

  • Identify persons who need urgent care for emergency health concerns
  • Contact public health authorities for COVID-19 testing
  • Prioritise persons who require a full assessment by a clinician
  • Monitor risks related to underlying medical issues, functional problems, distress mood, or social isolation.

The tool will soon be offered to national healthcare providers and professionals with responsibility for public health. InterRAI has engaged collaborators in Canada, South Africa and Europe to begin using the CVS in primary care, geriatric services, and community care programmes to reach out to vulnerable persons living in the community.

More detailed information about the CVS and how it works can be found at this link.