Evidence map›Paper›PMID 35418065›Full record

Trial reportBMC public health2022

Feasibility and acceptability of daily testing at school as an alternative to self-isolation following close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19: a qualitative analysis.

Sarah Denford, Lauren Towler, Behiye Ali, Georgia Treneman-Evans, Rachael Bloomer, Tim Ea Peto, Bernadette C Young, Lucy Yardley

Abstract readRandomized Controlled Trial
In one paragraph

Trial report in BMC public health, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
15citing papers in PubMed, 2 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

15 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.

  1. The Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines on the Diagnosis of COVID-19: Antigen Testing (January 2023).Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America · 2024
    Guideline
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Sarah DenfordPopulation Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Priory Road Complex, Bristol, England, BS8 1TU. sarah.denford@bristol.ac.uk.
Lauren TowlerSchool of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK.
Behiye AliPopulation Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Priory Road Complex, Bristol, England, BS8 1TU.
Georgia Treneman-EvansPopulation Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Priory Road Complex, Bristol, England, BS8 1TU.
Rachael BloomerPopulation Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Priory Road Complex, Bristol, England, BS8 1TU.
Tim Ea PetoNuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Bernadette C YoungNuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Lucy YardleyNIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at the University of Bristol, a partnership between the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the University of Bristol, Bristol, England.

Funding

Department of Health
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDaily testing using a rapid Lateral Flow Device (LFD) has been suggested as an alternative to self-isolation. A randomised trial comparing daily contact testing (DCT) in schools with self-isolation found that SARS-CoV-2 transmission within school was comparable and low in both groups. However, if this approach is to be adopted widely, it is critical that we understand the perspective of those who will be delivering and receiving DCT. The aim of this qualitative process study embedded in the randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to improve understanding of a range of behavioural factors that could influence implementation.

methodsInterviews were conducted with 63 participants, including staff, students, and parents of students who had been identified as being in close contact with someone with COVID-19. The topic guide explored perceptions of daily testing, understanding of positive and negative test results, and adherence to guidance. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

resultsResults were organised under three main headings: (1) factors influencing daily testing (2) interpretation of test results (3) behaviour during testing period. Participants recognized that daily testing may allow students to remain in school, which was viewed as necessary for both education and social needs. Whilst some felt safer as a result of daily testing, others raised concerns about safety. Participants did not always understand how to interpret and respond to test results, and although participants reported high levels of adherence to the guidance, improved communications were desired.

conclusionDaily testing may be a feasible and acceptable alternative to self-isolation among close contacts of people who test positive. However, improved communications are needed to ensure that all students and parents have a good understanding of the rationale for testing, what test results mean, how test results should be acted on, and how likely students are to test positive following close contact. Support is needed for students and parents of students who have to self-isolate and for those who have concerns about the safety of daily testing.

Indexed as

COVID-19COVID-19 TestingFeasibility StudiesHumansSARS-CoV-2SchoolsCovid-19Lateral flow deviceQualitativeSchoolsTesting

Identifiers

PMID35418065
PMCPMC9007577

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.