Abstract
There is an urgent requirement to identify which clinical settings are in most need of COVID-19 tests and the priority role(s) for tests in these settings to accelerate the development of tests fit for purpose in health and social care across the UK. This study sought to identify and prioritize unmet clinical needs for COVID-19 tests across different settings within the UK health and social care sector via an online survey of health and social care professionals and policymakers. Four hundred and forty-seven responses were received between 22nd May and 15th June 2020. Hospitals and care homes were recognized as the settings with the greatest unmet clinical need for COVID-19 diagnostics, despite reporting more access to laboratory molecular testing than other settings. Hospital staff identified a need for diagnostic tests for symptomatic workers and patients. In contrast, care home staff expressed an urgency for screening at the front door to protect high-risk residents and limit transmission. The length of time to test result was considered a widespread problem with current testing across all settings. Rapid tests for staff were regarded as an area of need across general practice and dental settings alongside tests to limit antibiotics use.
Highlights
Testing plays an integral role in the international response to the current coronavirus pandemic, facilitating national surveillance and guiding patient management
We focused the survey within the UK health and social care system and covered a range of settings
These results are important for planning policies for the winter season when multiple respiratory conditions will be present and diagnostic tests will be crucial for the correct identification of COVID-19 patients
Summary
Testing plays an integral role in the international response to the current coronavirus pandemic, facilitating national surveillance and guiding patient management. Testing strategies have been heavily scrutinized, and it is widely acknowledged that the tests currently available are far from ideal. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) based tests, the most commonly used laboratory-based tests for determining current infection, has a false negative rate of around 20% (depending on symptom duration, sampling technique, and site) [1].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
