Abstract
BackgroundOnline respondent-driven detection (RDD) is a novel method of case finding that can enhance contact tracing (CT). However, the advantages and challenges of RDD for CT have not yet been investigated from the perspective of public health professionals (PHPs). Therefore, it remains unclear if, and under what circumstances, PHPs are willing to apply RDD for CT.MethodsBetween March and April 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with Dutch PHPs responsible for CT in practice. Questions were derived from the ‘diffusion of innovations’ theory. Between May and June 2019, we distributed an online questionnaire among 260 Dutch PHPs to quantify the main qualitative findings. Using different hypothetical scenarios, we assessed anticipated advantages and challenges of RDD, and PHPs’ intention to apply RDD for CT.ResultsTwelve interviews were held, and 70 PHPs completed the online questionnaire. A majority of questionnaire respondents (71%) had a positive intention towards using RDD for CT. Anticipated advantages of RDD were ‘accommodating easy and autonomous participation in CT of index cases and contact persons’, and ‘reaching contact persons more efficiently’. Anticipated challenges were ‘limited opportunities for PHPs to support, motivate, and coordinate the execution of CT’, ‘not being able to adequately convey measures to index cases and contact persons’, and ‘anticipated unrest among index cases and contact persons’. Circumstances under which PHPs anticipated RDD applicable for CT included index cases and contact persons being reluctant to share information directly with PHPs, digitally skilled and literate persons being involved, and large scale CT. Circumstances under which PHPs anticipated RDD less applicable for CT included severe consequences of missing information or contact persons for individual or public health, involvement of complex or impactful measures for index cases and contact persons, and a disease being perceived as severe or sensitive by index cases and their contact persons.ConclusionsPHPs generally perceived RDD as a potentially beneficial method for public health practice, that may help overcome challenges present in traditional CT, and could be used during outbreaks of infectious diseases that spread via close contact. The circumstances under which CT is performed, appear to strongly influence PHPs’ intention to use RDD for CT.
Highlights
Online respondent-driven detection (RDD) is a novel method of case finding that can enhance contact tracing (CT)
Circumstances under which Public health professional (PHP) anticipated RDD less applicable for CT included severe consequences of missing information or contact persons for individual or public health, involvement of complex or impactful measures for index cases and contact persons, and a disease being perceived as severe or sensitive by index cases and their contact persons
PHPs generally perceived RDD as a potentially beneficial method for public health practice, that may help overcome challenges present in traditional CT, and could be used during outbreaks of infectious diseases that spread via close contact
Summary
Online respondent-driven detection (RDD) is a novel method of case finding that can enhance contact tracing (CT). The advantages and challenges of RDD for CT have not yet been investigated from the perspective of public health professionals (PHPs). In practice CT meets certain challenges, such as the timeliness of case finding and notification, and the heavy workload associated with the CT-process for public health professionals (PHPs) [4,5,6]. CT-efforts have been overwhelmed by the scale and intensity of CT required to keep up with the widespread and rapid transmission of the virus This has greatly spurred interest in (technological) innovations that enhance CT, so that control of COVID-19, and other future outbreaks, may become more feasible. Several novel approaches to enhance CT are currently being proposed These involve the use of mobile CT-applications that measure and record proximity between individuals through Bluetooth, Global Positioning System-location, QR-code checkpoints, or other technologies [7]. The execution of CT in practice is likely to remain, at least partially, reliant on traditional CT [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
