Process Evaluation of a Residence-Based 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.

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.