Implementing a pilot study of COVID-19 self-testing in high-risk populations and remote locations: results and lessons learnt.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rapid antigen-detection tests for SARS-CoV-2 self-testing represent a useful tool for pandemic control and expanding access to community-level case screening. COVID-19 self-tests have been extensively used in high-income countries since 2021; however, their introduction and programmatic implementation in low- and middle-income countries was delayed. We aimed to identify and continuously improve a weekly COVID-19 self-testing model among staff at healthcare facilities and schools.

Methods

This mixed-methods, observational prospective study was conducted in 5 healthcare centres and 24 schools in Georgia, between June and December 2022. The study comprised the integration of COVID-19 self-testing into the national mandatory testing programme for high-risk groups, wit

SUBMITTER: Marban-Castro E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10874527 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature