You are invited to take part in a service evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 screening in A&E departments across the United Kingdom (UK). Participation is entirely voluntary. By proceeding with the survey, you are consenting to take part in the evaluation.
What is the purpose of this evaluation?
We are now well over two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The accuracy and speed at which COVID-19 is diagnosed in patients newly admitted to hospital has a wide impact on patient safety, management, and flow. Several rapid tests have now been designed to help diagnosis and triage patients who have COVID-19 or may be at risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 to others. How rapid tests are used in different hospitals is not clear. Knowledge of how others are screening for SARS-CoV-2 will help optimise practices nationally.
This service evaluation aims to determine how A&E departments across the UK are screening for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viral pathogens.
What will my participation involve?
You have been invited to participate as you are a senior member of the A&E or infection department at your hospital.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey that should take no more than 5 minutes to complete. You will be asked about any SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory rapid tests used in your A&E; it might be helpful to have your hospital protocol available.
Your data will be analysed in aggregate with the data of other participants. The information will be summarised in a written report. None of the material in the results will personally identify you.
You may change your mind and decide to withdraw from the study before, during or following the survey. You do not need to give a reason for withdrawing. If you have completed the survey then you have one week to withdraw your responses, after which your data will be added to others and cannot be separated out.
All participants who take part will be offered a link to the summary of the results when the evaluation is completed.
Who do I contact for more information or if I have concerns?
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about the study at any stage, please contact:
Dr James Barnacle
Infectious Diseases Registrar, Charing Cross Hospital, London
james.barnacle1@nhs.netDr Ankur-Gupta Wright
Clinical Lecturer in Infectious Diseases
a.gupta-wright@ucl.ac.ukProf Rick Body
Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Manchester
Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Many thanks for your participation.
