COVID-19 has exposed gaps in information, policies and protections that can lead to increased risk for members of the home care workforce and their clients, according to a new report from the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety.

The report, “From the Frontlines: Home care workers voice COVID-19 challenges and ideas for change,” outlines key themes from focus group research with more than 80 members of the Massachusetts home care workforce. Workers describe pandemic-related challenges to safety and suggest ways to add stability to this vital sector of the health care continuum well beyond the pandemic. They urge greater attention to allocation of scarce resources, such as personal protective equipment and COVID-19 testing; information about infection control practices and COVID-19 exposure; workforce wellness and compensation; and more.