Implementation of a volunteer contact tracing program for COVID-19 in the United States: A qualitative focus group study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251033
• Publication Date: 2021-05-05T20:37:36Z
• Authors: Tyler Shelby; Rachel Hennein; Christopher Schenck; Katie Clark; Amanda J. Meyer; Justin Goodwin; Brian Weeks; Maritza Bond; Linda Niccolai; J. Lucian Davis; Lauretta E. Grau
• Keywords: Contact tracing; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Volunteer

Contact tracing is an important tool for suppressing COVID-19 but has been difficult to adapt the conditions of a public health emergency. This study explored experiences and perspectives volunteer contact tracers in order identify facilitators, challenges, novel solutions implementing tracing.As part evaluate emergently established program New Haven, Connecticut, April-June 2020, we conducted focus groups with 36 tracers, thematically analyzed data, synthesized findings using RE-AIM implementation framework.To successfully reach cases contacts, participants recommended identifying clients' outreach preferences, engaging clients authentically, addressing sources mistrust. Participants felt that effectiveness successful isolation quarantine was contingent on minimizing delays reaching systematically assessing their nutritional, financial, housing needs. They adoption volunteer-driven model depended ability recruit self-motivated provide rapid training consistent, supportive supervision. noted could be enhanced better management tools, such as more interview scripts, user-friendly data software, protocols special situations populations. also emphasized value coordinating efforts other involved providers agencies. Finally, they believed long-term maintenance requires monetary or educational incentives sustain participation.This one first studies qualitatively examine volunteer-run program. identified barriers, potential improving this context. These included standardized communication skills training, supervision, peer networking improve implementation, well greater cooperation outside agencies, flexible scheduling, promote sustainability.