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).
Diagnostic Test: Pilot a rapid SARS-CoV-2 testing strategy
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.
Other: Community-driven messages to promote COVID-19 testing
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).
Inclusion Criteria:
- This study will include all patients receiving clinically indicated testing for
COVID-19 at a federally qualified health center (FQHC, Open Cities Health Center, St.
Paul, MN).
- There will be no formal recruitment of patients in this research.
Exclusion Criteria:
-
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States
LaPrincess C Brewer, MD, MPH, Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic