Process Evaluation of a Residence-Based SARS-CoV-2 Testing Participation Pilot

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Mixed-methods process evaluation of a residence-based asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing participation pilot

Detailed Description
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Regular testing for SARS Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an important strategy for controlling virus outbreaks on university campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic but testing participation rates can be low. The Residence-Based Testing Participation Pilot (RB-TPP) was a novel intervention implemented at two student residences on a large university campus in the UK over four weeks. The aim of the pilot was to increase the frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 saliva testing onsite. This process evaluation aimed to determine whether RB-TPP was implemented as planned and identify implementation barriers and facilitators. A mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted alongside the RB-TPP. Evaluation participants were students (who opted in, or out of the RB-TPP) and staff with a role in service provision or student support. Monitoring data were collected from the intervention delivery team and meeting records. Data were collected from students via an online survey (n=152) and seven focus groups (n=30), and from staff via individual interviews (n=13). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data thematically.

Official Title
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Mixed-methods Process Evaluation of a Residence-Based SARS-CoV-2 Testing Participation Pilot on a UK University Campus During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Conditions
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Covid19

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Residence-based testing participation pilot (SARS-CoV-2 testing with relaxed social distancing restrictions)


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Student is living in one of the two participating halls of residence. staff with operational or student support role. consents to participate. Exclusion Criteria: Student is not living in the hall of residence at the start of the RB-TPP. does not consent to participate.
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Process evaluation of a SARS-CoV-2 testing participation uptake scheme in a single group of students living in two halls of residence.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Residence-based asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing<br>The aim of the RB-TPP was to increase and maintain participation of students in regular COVID-19 testing in university residences. The R-TPP was delivered over 4 weeks in April-May 2021 and required asymptomatic students to take a saliva test for COVID-19, twice weekly for four weeks. This was combined with relaxed social restrictions within the residence during the study period (i.e., removing the need for 2 metre distancing between students living in the same residence), surge testing and enhanced support for students who were required to self-isolate (i.e., welfare and financial support). | Behavioral: Residence-based testing participation pilot (SARS-CoV-2 testing with relaxed social distancing restrictions)<br>* SARS-CoV-2 asymptomatic saliva testing (as available to all students at staff at the participating university) delivered with relaxed social distancing (behavioural element) in two halls of residence.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reach | Program reach was evaluated through the number of students recruited into the RB-TPP compared to the number of potentially eligible students living in one of the two participating sites in April 2021 | 1 week | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Adherence | Participant adherence was defined as the proportion of students who completed all tests offered. | 4 weeks | 
| Dose | Number of tests offered | 4 weeks | 
| Generalised Anxiety Disorders Scale (Spitzer et al., 2006; Kroenke et al., 2007). | A 7-item anxiety scale with good reliability, as well as criterion, construct, factorial, and procedural validity. A cut point of >=10 indicates moderate to severe anxiety. Higher scores indicate higher anxiety. | 4 weeks | 
| Student Focus Groups | Student's views towards the RB-TPP. Small group discussions lasting approximately 60 mins conducted at mid-point and/or programme end. | 4 weeks | 
| Staff interviews | Staff views towards the RB-TPP. Individual interviews lasting approximately 20-60 mins conducted at programme end. | 4 weeks |