C R Foster1, F Campbell2, L Blank2, A J Cantrell2, M Black2, A C K Lee2. 1. School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK. Electronic address: clare.foster@sheffield.ac.uk. 2. School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 30 Regent Street, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - also known as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - pandemic has led to the swift introduction of population testing programmes in many countries across the world, using testing modalities such as drive-through, walk-through, mobile and home visiting programmes. Here, we provide an overview of the literature describing the experience of implementing population testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using Embase, Medline and the Cochrane library in addition to a grey literature search. We identified indicators relevant to process, quality and resource outcomes related to each testing modality. RESULTS: In total, 2999 titles were identified from the academic literature and the grey literature search, of which 22 were relevant. Most studies were from the USA and the Republic of Korea. Drive-through testing centres were the most common testing modality evaluated and these provided a rapid method of testing whilst minimising resource use. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence base for population testing lacks high quality studies, however, the literature provides evaluations of the advantages and limitations of different testing modalities. There is a need for robust evidence in this area to ensure that testing is deployed in a safe and effective manner in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
OBJECTIVES: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) - also known as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - pandemic has led to the swift introduction of population testing programmes in many countries across the world, using testing modalities such as drive-through, walk-through, mobile and home visiting programmes. Here, we provide an overview of the literature describing the experience of implementing population testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). STUDY DESIGN: Scoping review. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review using Embase, Medline and the Cochrane library in addition to a grey literature search. We identified indicators relevant to process, quality and resource outcomes related to each testing modality. RESULTS: In total, 2999 titles were identified from the academic literature and the grey literature search, of which 22 were relevant. Most studies were from the USA and the Republic of Korea. Drive-through testing centres were the most common testing modality evaluated and these provided a rapid method of testing whilst minimising resource use. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence base for population testing lacks high quality studies, however, the literature provides evaluations of the advantages and limitations of different testing modalities. There is a need for robust evidence in this area to ensure that testing is deployed in a safe and effective manner in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Frederick North; Elissa M Nelson; Rebecca J Majerus; Matthew C Thompson; Aric J Knutson; Brian A Crum Journal: Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol Date: 2022-09-08