How Brazilian therapeutic communities are facing COVID-19?
Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities
ISSN: 0964-1866
Article publication date: 11 April 2021
Issue publication date: 3 May 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to reflect upon the findings of a fast-track study carried out in April 2020, by the Brazilian Federation of Therapeutic Communities, focused on the impact of the first measures taken by the Brazilian therapeutic communities (TCs) in response to COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
An electronic survey was disseminated to TCs in the different regions of Brazil through online platforms. A total of 144 TCs responses were used in the final analysis. The survey collected the following information: suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 (only one case of COVID-19 was confirmed), changes in treatment protocols, the impact in admissions and daily activities and the safety measures adopted to stop or reduce the transmission between residents, families and staff.
Findings
The survey successfully collected general data regarding interruptions (82.6% of TCs interrupted admissions, 100% of TCs interrupted volunteer’s activities, 94% of TCs interrupted family visits and 93% of TCs interrupted external activities).
Research limitations/implications
The caveat of this study is the fact that there were tight deadlines for the TCs to generate their responses and the limited availability of staff to answer long surveys. Because of this, the study could not explore other important qualitative data. The results were shared in Brazil and Latin America with the staff of TCs, the national Federations of Therapeutic Communities and government agencies linked with them, in all Latin America.
Originality/value
This research aims to contribute to the adoption of developed prophylaxis and prevention protocols in response to COVID-19.
Keywords
Citation
Kurlander, P., Diniz, A.T., Godoy, G., Barreto, K.I.d.S. and MacDonald-Winship, L. (2021), "How Brazilian therapeutic communities are facing COVID-19?", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 42 No. 1, pp. 59-67. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-01-2021-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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