Far-UVC Light Study

05/24/2025

We are happy to be sharing our fifth newsletter for the Far-UVC Study!

Thanks to our partners Research Nova Scotia, Geriatric Medicine Research, Windsor Elms Village, Northwood - Live More, and The Cove Guest Home!

This study was born out of a global pandemic and its
success was only possible because of the collaboration
of those in our long-term care communities. Together, we
built one of the largest and longest-running investigations
of far-UVC in real-world settings.

As researchers, we are humbled by the opportunity to
work alongside caregivers, residents, families, and staff.
Your involvement has not only shaped this project, it may
influence infection control strategies in LTC homes and other health care settings around the world.

We will continue to keep you informed as results are published!

01/26/2024

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

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...

10/10/2023

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

Sending sincere thanks to our partners Northwood - Live More Windsor Elms Village Research Nova Scotia Geriatric Medicine Research The Cove Guest Home 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.

04/21/2023

Our team member, Emily Devereaux presented some findings on our novel screening protocol for respiratory viral infections (RVI) in long-term care homes at the Department of Medicine Research Week in Halifax yesterday.

This work aims to understand if our three proposed questions for early detection of RVI is a viable addition to traditional symptomatic screening protocols

Thank you, Emily, for the great work!

04/11/2023

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.

07/14/2022

If this study is a “research machine”, then the people are the moving parts -- like the gears of an engine. We couldn’t do any of this without all of YOU!

Today we went to Northwood - Live More to acknowledge the incredible staff helping us with this study. Whether you are part of the nursing team, dietary, housekeeping, environmental services, an OT, PT, recreational therapist, or part of administration or management, you have our gratitude.

Thanks for all that you do for our study, and beyond!!


Nova Scotia Health Geriatric Medicine Research

07/06/2022

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

06/29/2022

If you're interested in learning more about our study, please sign up for our quarterly newsletter!

Sign up here to keep up with how the study is going, our findings, and any other related info:

Our newsletters are distributed every few months to keep the community, team, and participants informed with updates as the UVC study progresses. We have so much more we’d like to share with everyone so stay tuned for future issues!

06/23/2022

Today we join our partners at Windsor Elms Village celebrating day! We are acknowledging the phenomenal work LTC staff bring to innovation, our community and our healthcare system. Thanks for all you do, for our research study, and beyond!

Geriatric Medicine Research

06/22/2022

Why is this study important for long-term care?

As a person ages, the loss of physical ability and cognitive function can put them at high risk of disease and death. This is called “frailty” and it's scored on a scale of 1-9 (“very fit” to “terminally ill”). In long-term care, almost all residents will have a score of at least 5, or “mildly frail”. Reducing respiratory viral infections could better protect residents!

06/17/2022

Today is the 10th Annual Northwood Research Symposium! This year's theme is Research in Aging, Continuing Care and Beyond!

Dr. Kenneth Rockwood will be discussing the Far-UVC light study in a research panel and giving the keynote on aging in Nova Scotia.

Learn more about the event here:
https://pheedloop.com/register/NorthwoodAnnualResearchConference/attendee/?fbclid=IwAR1DocmEmqaWgx6ZdOazzVCx5m9t_TXU7wgqLha3zSIUZZmG7UxLi3DgWtY

10th Annual Northwood Research Symposium by Northwood on June 17, 2022. . Register now, and learn more!