Far-UVC Light Study

Happy to announce the official publication of our study protocol "Preventing Respiratory Viral Illness Invisibly (PRiVII)" published in BMC Trials (springer.com). This marks a crucial step forward in our mission to explore innovative solutions for preventing respiratory viral infections in long-term care (LTC) homes.

Respiratory viral illnesses (RVI) pose a significant threat in long-term care homes. Standard infection control measures face limitations due to residents' cognitive impairments, care needs, and susceptibility to loneliness and mental illness. Moreover, high degrees of frailty in LTC residents can manifest atypical symptoms, such as delirium and worsened mobility, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Far-UVC (222 nm) has demonstrated potent antiviral activity in vitro. However, the clinical efficacy in preventing RVI in LTC settings remains unproven. We hope to bridge the gap between in vitro findings and real-world impact, providing a tangible solution to the unique challenges faced in LTC.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a role in making this achievement possible! Research Nova Scotia Geriatric Medicine Research Northwood - Live More Windsor Elms Village

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13063-024-07909-0?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20240126&utm_content=10.1186/s13063-024-07909-0

Preventing Respiratory Viral Illness Invisibly (PRiVII): protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized trial evaluating far-UVC light devices in long-term care facilities to reduce infections - Trials Background Respiratory viral illness (RVI)—e.g., influenza, COVID-19—is a serious threat in long-term care (LTC) facilities. Standard infection control measures are suboptimal in LTC facilities because of residents’ cognitive impairments, care needs, and susceptibility to loneliness and mental...

We are excited to be sharing our first issue of the UVC Light Study Newsletter, Volume 2!

Sending sincere thanks to our partners Northwood - Live More Windsor Elms Village The Cove Guest Home Research Nova Scotia Geriatric Medicine Research and everyone else involved!

The UVC Light Study is leading-edge research that may prove to be a key piece of the puzzle in our fight against this global pandemic, and none of this would be possible without your help.

In our study we are using questions to identify changes in residents cognitive and functional status, to enhance public health screening measures and reflect how infections can present differently in this population!

As a part of the daily COVID-19 screening, we’ve asked staff to answer three additional questions:
1. Is the person more confused than before? To screen for delirium
2. Is their mobility worse (reduced) than before? To screen for reduced mobility
3. Is their functioning (ADLs) worse than before? To screen for reduced function