AAFP Helps Members Care for Patients at Risk for Severe COVID-19
New, Updated Resources Available Online
Oct. 2, 2023, News Staff — Because considerable evidence indicates that people with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, it’s important that family physicians and their care teams have the tools and knowledge to care for higher risk patients.
That’s why the Academy, courtesy of a funding opportunity from Pfizer Inc., is rolling out a series of resources to help members identify and treat patients who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. The first of these is an updated clinical guidance document for treating COVID-19 in high-risk patients, now available on the AAFP’s new COVID-19 Treatment webpage.
“As family physicians, we are on the front lines of the battle against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections this fall and winter,” said Lisa Doggett, M.D., M.P.H., senior medical director for Sagility (formerly HGS-AxisPoint Health) and a 2021-2022 AAFP Vaccine Science Fellow, who coauthored the guidance document. “We can help protect our patients and communities by educating high-risk individuals about vaccines and other ways to avoid serious illness and, for those who are sick, ensuring access to appropriate antiviral therapies.”
Clinical Guidance: An Inside Look
The Primary Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 Outcomes section notes that patient age is the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19 outcomes, with the risk of death rising substantially with age. Race and ethnicity also are risk factors, as CDC data indicate that patients from some racial and ethnic groups are more likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 or a variant, and to experience barriers to accessing health care. Finally, the section features a table of underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of severe health outcomes.
Story Highlights
The COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations section contains the latest recommendations from the CDC, which state that most people (i.e., those who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised) age 6 months and older should receive an updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine. The guidance also links to the COVID-19 vaccination schedule for immunocompromised individuals and to current recommendations on the agency’s Stay Up to Date With COVID-19 Vaccines webpage.
The COVID-19 Testing and Diagnosis section recommends that people who show signs and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should be tested in a timely fashion to confirm infection. When testing a patient, clinicians should provide clear, concise information on the reason for the test, the type of test to be performed, next steps based on results, and related topics.
The guidance also explains the differences between test types, discusses the importance of preventive measures in reducing COVID-19 spread, and includes links to CDC resources on COVID-19 testing and action steps for people who are exposed to the virus.
The COVID-19 Treatment Options and Recommendations section is comprised primarily of an extensive table of COVID-19 therapeutics with listings that include each treatment’s generic and brand name; the type of treatment being administered; background information (including precautions and contraindications); the specific patient population for each therapeutic; and recommendations for administration, supplemented by links to FDA fact sheets for health care professionals.
In addition, the section links to a CDC health advisory on COVID-19 rebound in patients treated with therapeutics such as Paxlovid that offers additional guidance.
Finally, the Counseling Patients About COVID-19 Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment section explains the value of different approaches when answering patient questions about COVID-19 and encouraging patients to seek early and effective treatment options.
The section outlines a multi-step process that involves
- embracing an approach of understanding and collaboration;
- discussing high-risk and underlying medical conditions and how COVID-19 has the potential to cause severe complications, including death;
- motivational interviewing to counter misinformation and disinformation and improve COVID-19 vaccination rates; and
- responding directly to patient questions and addressing concerns about their physical and/or mental health.
In addition, the guidance document contains links to a collection of nearly 20 resources from the CDC, the FDA and other organizations.
More Resources on the Way
The guidance document is the first of several planned COVID-19 resources for clinicians. In the coming months, the Academy intends to publish additional guidance on helping patients in high-risk populations develop personal COVID-19 plans, along with content on evidence-based interventions and techniques that stress the importance of early COVID-19 treatment and updated information on COVID-19 complications associated with high-risk conditions.
Look for these resources on the AAFP COVID-19 Treatment webpage as they become available.