The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of establishing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing at a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) during a global health crisis to mitigate COVID-19 disparities in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
Accurate and early diagnosis of COVID-19 infections are critical for rapid initiation of quarantine interventions to reduce population spread and to provide appropriate medical care to reduce related morbidity and mortality during the current pandemic. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of establishing a drive-through rapid COVID-19 testing site at a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) during a global health crisis to mitigate health consequences in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. The investigators also seek to evaluate the effectiveness of community-driven communication in increasing access to rapid testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in this population. This will inform public health decisions about improving access to testing for SARS-CoV-2 in underserved populations, particularly those receiving care in FQHCs or community health centers. The specific aims of the study are to: Aim 1. To determine the feasibility of a community-engaged research partnership to support rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing for symptomatic patients of all ages in the underserved population during the COVID-19 crisis. A rapid testing strategy (drive-through testing site) at a FQHC using Mayo Clinic Laboratory (MCL) diagnostic processing will be piloted. Aim 2. To compare the effectiveness of community-driven messaging in increasing uptake of rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing compared with usual sources of health information. A simple random sample will be drawn of FQHC patients (N=1000, age 18+) with 1:1 randomization of communication about COVID-19 and availability of rapid testing from the FQHC versus usual sources (control).
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1,000
Rapid testing strategy at an FQHC using Mayo Clinic Laboratory (MCL) diagnostic processing with a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for SARS-CoV-2 and a Mayo Clinic drive-through collection protocol.
A one-time communication about the availability of COVID-19 testing at the FQHC to patients randomized to the intervention group using any available means of communication (text and/or mailed letter).
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States
Intervention Feasibility Measures - FQHC Staff
FQHC staff will complete a comprehensive electronic survey adapted from the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM), and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM) instrument to assess feasibility of community-engaged research partnership to support testing site (Weiner BJ, et al. Implementation Science. 2017;12(1):108.).
Time frame: 6-months after intervention start
2. Uptake of rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy at the FQHC- Effectiveness of community-driven messaging to patients
Comparison of number of tests completed per group (intervention vs. control)
Time frame: 6-months after intervention start
Uptake of rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy at the FQHC
Comparison of number of tests completed per group (intervention vs. control)
Time frame: 9-months after intervention start
Intervention Satisfaction Measures - Participant Satisfaction with COVID-19 testing
All randomized patients will complete a comprehensive survey with questions probing satisfaction with the drive-through testing site (ease of use, process, return of results, etc.).
Time frame: 6-months after intervention start
5. Intervention Satisfaction Measures - Participant Satisfaction with community-driven messaging
Compare the satisfaction of community-driven messaging on availability of rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing at the FQHC (intervention vs. control)
Time frame: 6-months after intervention start
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.