Enhancing Rapid Health Response in National Crises: Feasibility of Rapid COVID-19 Testing in Disadvantaged Populations Through Community-Academic Partnerships

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).