How do we engage people in testing for COVID-19? A rapid qualitative evaluation of a testing programme in schools, GP surgeries and a university

• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12657-4
• Publication Date: 2022-02-14T12:03:03Z
• Authors: Daniella Watson; Natalia Laverty B...; Jawahr Alagil; Krithika Anil; Sandy Ciccognani; Rachel Dewar-Haggart; Sarah Fearn; Julia Groot; Kathryn Knowles; Claire Meagher; Carmel McGrath; Sarah Muir; Jo Musgrove; Kate Glyn-Owen; Kath Woods-Townsend; Andrew Mortimore; Paul Roderick; Janis Baird; Hazel Inskip; Keith Godfrey; Mary Barker
• Keywords: Biostatistics; Community Engagement

Abstract Background The UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) emphasises the need high levels of engagement with communities and individuals to ensure effectiveness any COVID-19 testing programme. A novel pilot health surveillance programme assess feasibility weekly community RT-LAMP (Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification) SARS-CoV-2 virus using saliva samples collected at home was developed piloted by University Southampton City Council. Methods Rapid qualitative evaluation conducted explore experiences those who took part in programme, declined educational healthcare organisations involved were responsible roll-out. This included 77 interviews 20 focus groups 223 staff, students, pupils household members from four schools, one university, NHS trust. insights generated informed design modification Saliva Testing Programme next phase community-testing. Results Discussions revealed that communication, trust convenience necessary people’s Participants felt reassured pride taking this They suggested modifications reduce programme’s environmental impact overcome cultural barriers participation. Conclusions Participants’ stakeholders’ motivations, challenges concerns be understood these used modify a continuous, real-time process sustain over extended period necessary. Community leaders stakeholder should throughout development implementation optimise engagement.