Process Evaluation of a Residence-Based SARS-CoV-2 Testing Participation Pilot (RB-TPP)

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

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

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.

Process evaluation of a SARS-CoV-2 testing participation uptake scheme in a single group of students living in two halls of residence.

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).

Residence-based testing participation pilot (SARS-CoV-2 testing with relaxed social distancing restrictions)

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.

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

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.

Student's views towards the RB-TPP. Small group discussions lasting approximately 60 mins conducted at mid-point and/or programme end.

Staff views towards the RB-TPP. Individual interviews lasting approximately 20-60 mins conducted at programme end.

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.

The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to risk of identification of participants and service providers but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Blake H, Carlisle S, Fothergill L, Hassard J, Favier A, Corner J, Ball JK, Denning C. Mixed-methods process evaluation of a residence-based SARS-CoV-2 testing participation pilot on a UK university campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Public Health. 2022 Aug 2;22(1):1470. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13792-8.