Covid19 Summaries of Evidence
What are the HSE’s National Library’s Summaries of Evidence?
NHLKS Summaries of Evidence are compilations of the latest research evidence and key reference information related to Covid-19. They are developed by the NHLKS Evidence team in response to questions received by healthcare professionals via our online evidence request form.
Each Summary of Evidence contains a comprehensive representation of all available research evidence and key reference sources and provides collated information on a topic of interest, displayed in a way that it is easy to follow and understand. They aim at supporting our healthcare professionals to make informed decisions.
Evidence summaries on topics related to Public Health in Ireland are available at the HIQA website
Please note: Official guidance and evidence related to infection prevention and public health measures is regularly updated by the Health Prevention and Surveillance Centre. So no evidence compilations related to those topics are included in this page.
Latest Summaries by Publication Date
- Apr 28th 2022, What is the latest national and international evidence about the existence of long COVID or post-COVID and its persistence for COVID-19 survivors? (Version 2) Keywords: COVID-19, Long-COVID, Recovery
- Mar 29th 2022, Has the COVID-19 pandemic created greater communication barriers between healthcare personnel and hearing- impaired individuals? Keywords: COVID-19, Hearing impairment, communication barriers
- Mar 10th 2022, What is the burden of disease from COVID-19 in 5-11-year-old children? Keywords: COVID-19, children, age 5-11.
- Jan 24th 2022, Do COVID-19 vaccines prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection among healthcare workers with specific consideration of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant? Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccines, Delta, HCW
- Jan 6th 2022, Is a booster COVID-19 vaccination required for older people? Keywords: Booster, COVID-19, older people
- Nov 17th Do people with medical comorbidities require a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine? Keywords: Booster, COVID-19, Comorbidities
- Oct 1st In which settings is SARS-CoV-2 transmitted among the adolescent population? Keywords: Adolescents, COVID-19, Settings
- Sept 10th How safe and effective are COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents, and what is the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents? Keywords: Adolescents, COVID-19 vaccine
- Sept 10th How long does immunity last after COVID-19 vaccination? Does immunity wane faster in certain sub-populations? How safe and effective are booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine? Keywords: Immunity, Booster COVID-19 vaccine
- Aug 25th What is the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants and children? Keywords: Children, Infants
- Aug 12th Is there evidence of mRNA vaccine effectiveness with an extended dosing interval? If so, what is the interval? Keywords: mRNA vaccine, dosing, interval.
- Aug 5th What is the risk of severe disease during pregnancy? Keywords: Pregnancy, COVID-19 risk
- July 20th Are people who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 adequately protected following one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine? Keywords: one shot vaccine, previously infected.
- July19th What is the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy? Are there any associated adverse events or benefits for pregnant or lactating mothers, or for the foetus? Keywords: Pregnancy, Vaccines
- June 22nd Are those with heart failure at greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection? Keywords: Heart failure, Risk
- June 18th What models of care are available for patients recovering from COVID-19 with persisting symptoms? What models of care are available for long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19? Keywords: Recovery, Long Covid, Models of Care
- May 28th What is the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations in preventing disease transmission to the non-vaccinated?
Keywords: Vaccination, efficacy - May 13th - Do men between the ages of 18-65 years of age with depression experience difficulty accessing mental health services and support? Keywords: Depression, Mental Health Services
- Apr 12th - What is the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in terms of mortality and development of severe illness? Keywords: Disability, Mortality
- Apr 8th - What is known about the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in open water — sea and fresh water; waste water and sewage. What are the implications to human health of recreational activities in open water such as kayaking or swimming? Keywords: Open Water, Waste water
- Mar 29 - What is the best evidence on the impact of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic? Keywords: Remote Work, Home Working, psychological Stress
- Mar 22 - What is the current best evidence for virtual pulmonary rehabilitation for COVID-19 patients? Keywords: Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Mar 18 - What are effective psychosocial responses based on regional or national response plans during and following public health emergencies? Keywords: Psychosocial response, Public Health, Mental Health
- Feb 24 - Is there evidence that SARS-CoV2 can be bloodborne and spread by needle-stick injuries/blood transfusions? Keywords: Blood Transfusion, Bloodborne Transmission
- Feb 23 - Is there an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 associated with the use of nebulizers? Do nebulizers aerosolize SARS-CoV-2 particles? Keywords: Nebulization, Aerosols
- Feb 16 - What is the evidence for virtual early supported discharge of patients following COVID-19? Keywords: Hospital Discharge, Telemedicine
- Feb 9 - What is the current best evidence for virtual pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic? Keywords: COPD, Rehabilitation
- Jan 29 - What is the latest evidence about the existence of long-COVID or post-COVID and its persistence for COVID-19 survivors? What evidence is currently available on the management of patients who have post viral fatigue syndrome due to COVID-19? Keywords: LongCovid, Post viral fatigue syndrome
- Apr 28th 2022, What is the latest national and international evidence about the existence of long COVID or post-COVID and its persistence for COVID-19 survivors? (Version 2) Keywords: COVID-19, Long-COVID, Recovery
- Mar 29th 2022, Has the COVID-19 pandemic created greater communication barriers between healthcare personnel and hearing- impaired individuals? Keywords: COVID-19, Hearing impairment, communication barriers
- Mar 10th 2022, What is the burden of disease from COVID-19 in 5-11-year-old children? Keywords: COVID-19, children, age 5-11.
- Jan 24th 2022, Do COVID-19 vaccines prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection among healthcare workers with specific consideration of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant? Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccines, Delta, HCW
- Jan 6th 2022, Is a booster COVID-19 vaccination required for older people? Keywords: Booster, COVID-19, older people
- Nov 17th Do people with medical comorbidities require a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine? Keywords: Booster, COVID-19, Comorbidities
- Oct 1st In which settings is SARS-CoV-2 transmitted among the adolescent population? Keywords: Adolescents, COVID-19, Settings
- Sept 10th How safe and effective are COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents, and what is the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents? Keywords: Adolescents, COVID-19 vaccine
- Sept 10th How long does immunity last after COVID-19 vaccination? Does immunity wane faster in certain sub-populations? How safe and effective are booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine? Keywords: Immunity, Booster COVID-19 vaccine
- Aug 25th What is the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants and children? Keywords: Children, Infants
- Aug 12th Is there evidence of mRNA vaccine effectiveness with an extended dosing interval? If so, what is the interval? Keywords: mRNA vaccine, dosing, interval.
- Aug 5th What is the risk of severe disease during pregnancy? Keywords: Pregnancy, COVID-19 risk
- July 20th Are people who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 adequately protected following one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine? Keywords: one shot vaccine, previously infected.
- July19th What is the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy? Are there any associated adverse events or benefits for pregnant or lactating mothers, or for the foetus? Keywords: Pregnancy, Vaccines
- June 22nd Are those with heart failure at greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection? Keywords: Heart failure, Risk
- June 18th What models of care are available for patients recovering from COVID-19 with persisting symptoms? What models of care are available for long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19? Keywords: Recovery, Long Covid, Models of Care
- May 28th What is the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations in preventing disease transmission to the non-vaccinated?
Keywords: Vaccination, efficacy - May 13th - Do men between the ages of 18-65 years of age with depression experience difficulty accessing mental health services and support? Keywords: Depression, Mental Health Services
- Apr 12th - What is the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities in terms of mortality and development of severe illness? Keywords: Disability, Mortality
- Apr 8th - What is known about the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in open water — sea and fresh water; waste water and sewage. What are the implications to human health of recreational activities in open water such as kayaking or swimming? Keywords: Open Water, Waste water
- Mar 29 - What is the best evidence on the impact of remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic? Keywords: Remote Work, Home Working, psychological Stress
- Mar 22 - What is the current best evidence for virtual pulmonary rehabilitation for COVID-19 patients? Keywords: Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Mar 18 - What are effective psychosocial responses based on regional or national response plans during and following public health emergencies? Keywords: Psychosocial response, Public Health, Mental Health
- Feb 24 - Is there evidence that SARS-CoV2 can be bloodborne and spread by needle-stick injuries/blood transfusions? Keywords: Blood Transfusion, Bloodborne Transmission
- Feb 23 - Is there an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19 associated with the use of nebulizers? Do nebulizers aerosolize SARS-CoV-2 particles? Keywords: Nebulization, Aerosols
- Feb 16 - What is the evidence for virtual early supported discharge of patients following COVID-19? Keywords: Hospital Discharge, Telemedicine
- Feb 9 - What is the current best evidence for virtual pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic? Keywords: COPD, Rehabilitation
- Jan 29 - What is the latest evidence about the existence of long-COVID or post-COVID and its persistence for COVID-19 survivors? What evidence is currently available on the management of patients who have post viral fatigue syndrome due to COVID-19? Keywords: LongCovid, Post viral fatigue syndrome
- Jan 12 - What is the evidence on additional risk for people >65 with cardiovascular disease? [Update] Keywords: Cardiovascular Disease
- Dec 18 - Does the prolonged use of face-masks by HCWs interfere with the respiratory system by inducing oxidative stress and blood oxygen/carbon dioxide imbalance? Keywords: Face mask, healthcare workers, Oxygen stress
- Dec 10 - What is the evidence for waste water surveillance to enhance other forms of surveillance for covid19 Keywords: Wastewater, Sewerage
- Nov 4 - What is the current evidence for the effectiveness of using a visor rather than a surgical face mask in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 in a healthcare setting? Keywords: Face Masks, Face Visors
- Oct 22nd -What is the evidence for the impact of closures of day-care centres and resumption of day care services for older people during COVID-19? Keywords: Older People, Day Care Centres
- Oct 21st - What are the considerations regarding ophthalmic procedures with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients? [Update] Keywords: Ophthalmalogic Procedures
- Sept 18th - What are the psychological, psychosocial and educational interventions that support the return to school of children in Ireland and across Europe?
- Sept 17th - What is the evidence on additional risk for people >65 with cardiovascular disease?
- Sept 15th - Methodologies or protocols for, or experiences in, recruiting persons with disabilities onto national committees or working groups or consultative committees or policy development groups for effective co-design in disability services
- Sept 15th - Using digital and assistive technologies to deliver services to people with a disability
- Sept 15th - What is the evidence of a relationship between socio-economic deprivation and the increased risk, if any, of infection with or death from COVID-19? Are there additional factors such as ethnicity, demography or population density which may amplify or modify the impact of deprivation on COVID-19 risk? Keywords: Deprivation, ethnicity
- Sept 10th - What are the psychosocial needs of older people 65+ during the COVID-19 pandemic? Keywords: Older People, psychosocial needs
- Sept 4th - What are the outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis who contract COVID-19? Keywords: Cystic Fibrosis
- Sept 3rd - What evidence is there for mandatory flu vaccination for healthcare workers? Keywords: Health Care Workers, Flu vaccination.
- Aug 20th - What is the efficacy of 60% alcohol-based hand gel vs non-alcohol-based hand gel for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 scenarios? Keywords: hand gel
- Literature reviews carried out for the Health Service Executive National Telehealth Steering Group April – July 2020 [August 13th] Download Full Summary of Evidence
- How long can the COVID-19 virus exist on surfaces? What role do contaminated surfaces play in the chain of transmission? What infection control precautions should be implemented? Aug 7th[Update] Download Full Summary of Evidence
- What is the evidence around the relative effectiveness of surgical masks to properly fitted respiratory protective equipment such as FFP2 and FFP3 masks against airborne droplet viruses: SARS, MERS, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2? July 27th - Download full summary of evidence
- What are the physical sequelae for critically ill COVID-19 patients? July 20th - Download Full Summary of Evidence
- What is the role of social work and family liaison during global pandemics (such as COVID-19) [Updated] July 16th - Download full summary of evidence
- Is there evidence that temperature checks for healthcare workers (HCWs) reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings? Published July 14th - Download Full Summary of Evidence
- What is the evidence for the efficacy of remote psychological assessment [as opposed to therapy/intervention] with children for whom there is a query of a disability such as intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or emotional or behavioural difficulties? - Published July 13 - Download full summary of evidence
- Does the flu vaccine increase the risk of contracting COVID-19? Published July 10th - Download full summary of evidence
- Is there any increased risk identified for paediatric asthma patients to get COVID-19? Is there any increased risk of negative outcomes for paediatric asthma patients that get COVID-19? Published July 7th - Download Full Summary of Evidence
- What guidance is available for healthcare workers on the provision of CPR for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in hospital settings, focusing primarily on the evidence relating to CPR as an aerosol generating procedure? Settings of relevance include hospitals, community assessment hubs and intermediate care facilities? - Published July 7th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the false negative rate for swab tests for COVID-19 and are there more reliable ways of testing? Are rectal swab tests effective in detecting COVID-19 for patients presenting with gastrointestinal problems? [Updated] July 2 Download Full Summary of Evidence
- What are the dermatological manifestations of COVID-19 and what are the implications for assessment and treatment? Published July 1 Download full summary of evidence
- What is the risk of a person with obesity contracting COVID-19 compared to someone without obesity? What is the risk of a person with obesity developing severe illness from COVID-19? How is severe illness defined for people with COVID-19 who are obese? Do people with obesity have a higher mortality from COVID-19? How does obesity affect children with COVID-19? Rehabilitation post-COVID-19 for obese patients? - Updated June 10th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the psychological impact of COVID-19 on patients recovering from the disease who need rehabilitation? - Updated June 5th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the utility of lung sonography in COVID-19 pneumonia? - Updated June 4th - Download full summary of evidence
- What psychological supports are required to assist health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic? - Updated June 2nd - Download full summary of evidence
- What impact is cocooning and the increased level of anxiety due to COVID-19 having on the mental health of those identified as at-risk due to a chronic disease [immunocompromised]? What interventions have been identified and deemed efficacious? - Updated May 29th - Download full summary of evidence
- What seroprevalence studies have been completed in other countries – general population studies and also studies on specific population subgroups such as health workers, hospitalized patients, blood donors and children? - Updated May 27th - Download full summary of evidence
- What are the most recent international definitions for a close contact of COVID-19 case, particularly with regard to enclosed settings such as offices or schools? - Updated May 27th - Download full summary of evidence
- Is there any evidence to suggest that one form of temperature checking is more reliable than another – e.g is infra-red thermography more accurate than oral or aural measurements for the purposes of screening? Updated May 26th - Download full summary of evidence
- Is there a consensus on the cut-off point for the definition of pyrexia for temperature screening - Updated May 26th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the mental health of elderly nursing home residents? - Updated May 24th - Download full summary of evidence
- How effective are early psychological interventions in preventing posttraumatic stress disorder in health workers exposed to traumatic scenarios in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic? - Updated May 22nd - Download full summary of evidence
- Is there any evidence relating to effective psychological or psychosocial interventions for the general public and those recovering from COVID-19? - Updated May 20th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the effect of blood sugar control in mediating the increased risk of COVID-19 for people with diabetes? - Updated May 18th - Download full summary of evidence
- Do people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes carry the same risk of poorer outcomes from COVID-19? - Updated May 14th - Download full summary of evidence
- What mathematical modelling evidence is available to inform us of what will happen when we begin to move out of lockdown from COVID-19? What are the factors that may predict a second surge of COVID-19 activity? - Updated May 14th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the evidence for mass screening of asymptomatic HCWs? - Updated May 13th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the impact of COVID-19 on people with disability? - Updated May 12th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the potential role of post-acute telerehabilitation for COVID-19 patients? - Updated May 10th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the risk of using laminar airflow in operating theatres when operating on a COVID-19 patient? - Updated May 8th - Download full summary of evidence
- What characterizes atypical clinical presentation of COVID-19 in older patients (age 65 plus) - Updated May 6th - Download full summary of evidence
- Serological (antibody) testing for covid-19 infection what are the current issues and challenges - Updated May 5th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the rate of asymptomatic carriage of COVID-19 amongst both older people [65+] and the general population? - Updated April 30th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the false negative rate for swab tests for COVID-19 and are there more reliable ways of testing? Are rectal swab tests effective in detecting COVID-19 for patients presenting with gastrointestinal problems? Updated April 30th - Download full summary of evidence
- What is known about the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in open water – sea and fresh water; waste water and sewage. What are the implications to human health of recreational activities in open water such as kayaking or swimming? - Updated April 30th - Download full summary of evidence
- What guidance is available for healthcare workers on the provision of CPR for paediatric patients in hospital and community settings during the COVID19 pandemic? Updated April 30 - Download full summary of evidence
- What guidance is available for healthcare workers on the provision of CPR for patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 in hospital settings, including community assessment hubs and intermediate care facilities? New update April 30 - Download full summary of evidence
- What are the considerations regarding ophthalmic procedures with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients? Updated April 29 - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the impact of diabetes mellitus among people infected with COVID-19? Updated April 29 - Download full summary of evidence
- What is the evidence to support prone positioning of awake COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive ventilation or ventilating on room air? Updated April 28 - Download full summary of evidence
- Physiotheraphy rehabilitation - New Update April 17th - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- How can telehealth best support HSCP’s response to the COVID-19 patient? Updated April 16 - Download full summary of evidence
- In pregnant women who have tested positive for COVID-19 is there any evidence in relation to the safest mode of delivery; caesarean or vaginal, for the woman, her baby and those caring for her? - Updated April 16 - Download full summary of evidence
- Is the use of warm humidified ‘wet’ circuit for mechanical ventilation recommended in ventilating patients with COVID-19? - Updated April 15th - Download the full summary of evidence
- What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates? - Updated April 15 - Download the full summary of evidence
- What is the current evidence-based treatment for COVID-19 patients with hypoxaemia? - Updated April 10th - Download the summary of evidence
- What are the approaches to modelling the COVID-19 pandemic within and across countries with a specific focus on health service implications? How are countries using modelling to inform the response of health services to the pandemic? – Updated April 10th – Download the summary of evidence
- In patients with COVID-19, what characteristics will suggest development of severe disease? - Updated April 9th - Download the summary of evidence
- What is the best evidence on care pathways for patients with COVID-19? What care pathways or models of care have been implemented internationally for COVID-19 suspected or confirmed positive patients? - Updated April 8th - Download the summary of evidence
- What technologies are being used to enhance COVID-19 response? - Updated April 8th - Download full summary of evidence
- Social Work and family liaison during global pandemics such as COVID-19 - Updated April 7th - Download the summary of evidence
- What has been the impact of mitigation and restriction measures in curtailing the spread of COVID 19? - Updated April 6th - Download the summary of evidence
- Respiratory / chest physiotherapy treatment and aerosol generation - Updated April 3rd - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Dietetic advice for COVID 19 confirmed >65year old - Updated April 3rd - Download the summary of evidence
- Bereavement supports for frontline healthcare staff following the death of a colleague due to COVID-19? - Updated April 2nd - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Ibuprofen in the pharmacological treatment of a patient with COVID-19? - Updated March 30th - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Palliative Care - Updated March 30th - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Home Management - Updated March 26th - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Contaminated surfaces - Updated March 26th - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Breastfeeding in mothers with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 - Updated March 25th - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Nebulizers and risk of transmission of Covid-19 - Updated March 24th - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Infection control and prevention for hospitalised patients - Updated March 23rd - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Specific requirements or considerations for patients >65 with COVID-19? - Updated March 23rd - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Community Testing - Updated March 23rd - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Psychological support for health workers - Updated March 19th
- Hospital Management - Updated March 16 2020 - Downloade evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Contact Tracing - Updated March 16 2020 - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- Self-Isolation - Updated March 16 2020 - Download evidence abstract - Download summary of evidence
- What is the incubation period for COVID-19? - Updated March 11 2020
- Emergency public health response evidence summary - updated March 11th 2020
- Effectiveness of social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19 - Updated March 11 2020
- Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 - Summary updated March 6 2020
The HSE’s National Library’s Evidence Team is made up of qualified librarians working in the HSE, who have a minimum of 5 years’ experience of advanced searching. During the COVID-19 emergency, librarians from other public sector organisations including the wider health sector have joined our team on a voluntary basis. All librarians on the team have expertise in searching and validating information. The team has access to a pool of volunteers with clinical background who act on an advisory capacity should the need arise.
Sources of Evidence and search and display protocol
Our evidence searches target major bibliographical databases such as Medline and Embase, other reputable sources of clinical research evidence such as the Oxford COVID-19 Evidence Service, guidelines from major national and international organisations such as WHO, ECDC, HPSC, etc., as well as clinical point of care tools such as UpToDate and BMJ Best Practice. Our search also includes consultation of other authoritative sources on the open Internet and social media in the interest of comprehensiveness and to keep pace with the rapidly changing evidence base.
Our search protocol is activated upon receipt of a request via the online request form, and includes background reading of point-of-care tools and other sources to build search vocabulary, terminology and synonyms in order to proceed to a detailed search of the aforementioned sources.
Disclaimer
All NHLKS Covid Summaries of Evidence collate all research evidence and key reference sources to our knowledge at the time of writing and do not replace clinical judgement or guidance. Emerging literature or subsequent developments in respect of COVID-19 may require amendment to the information or sources listed in the documents.
Although all reasonable care has been taken in the compilation of content, the National Health Library and Knowledge Service Evidence Team makes no representations or warranties expressed or implied as to the accuracy or suitability of the information or sources listed in the documents.
The Summaries of Evidence available in this site are the property of the National Health Library and Knowledge Service and subsequent re-use or distribution in whole or in part should include acknowledgement of the service.