Abstract

Challenges of Implementing COVID-19 Community Surveillance Surveys: Lessons Learned Across Seven Communities

Jeanne Lawless¹, Jeanne Lawless², Diego Diel³, Bettina Wagner³, Kevin J. Cummings², Genevive Meredith², Lara Parrilla², Elizabeth Plocharzck⁴, Robert Lawlis⁵, Samantha Hillson⁶, Benjamin Dalziel⁷, Jeffrey Bethel⁸, Katherine McLaughlin⁹, Roy Haggerty¹⁰, Casey L. Cazer¹¹, Kathryn Higley¹², Javier Nieto¹³, Tyler Radniecki¹⁵, Justin Sanders¹⁵ (1)Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, (2)Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, (3)Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, (4)Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY, (5)Cayuga Health Partners, Ithaca, NY, (6)Tompkins County Health Department, Ithaca, NY, (7)Department of Integrative Biology, College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, (8)College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, (9)Department of Statistics, College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, (10)College of Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, (11)Departments of Public and Ecosystem Health, and Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, (12) Center for Quantitative Life Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, (13)College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR , (15) College of Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, (15) Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR

APHA 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo

Background - Community surveillance surveys offer an opportunity to obtain important and timely public health information that may help local municipalities guide their response to public health threats. However, surveillance surveys can be resource intensive and require dedicated leadership.

Objectives – To present logistical approaches and challenges from SARS-CoV-2 surveillance surveys conducted in different settings by two research teams.

Methods – An interdisciplinary team developed a SARS-CoV-2 community surveillance approach and sampled 7,075 individuals (4,167 households sampled, 13 time-points) in Oregon by the spring of 2021. New partnerships were created in Ithaca, NY, and the methodology was adapted to this setting. In the spring 2022, 162 individuals (145 households, 2 time-points) were sampled in the Ithaca area.

Results – Partnerships were established with local health departments, COVID-19 testing sites, and health and public safety staff. Field staff were trained using online modules, field manuals with safety protocols, and in-person meetings with hands-on practice. Text messaging and location apps were used for field communication and safety. Data were collected via paper forms or digitally on tablets, which required technical support for HIPAA compliance and integration with existing lab information systems. Pilot surveys and field previews revealed challenges in survey processes. Media releases and project branding promoted public awareness.

Conclusion – A strong leadership team with key university-community partnerships established early on was crucial to the success of these community surveillance surveys. Piloting of research methods helped solidify best practices. Effective training of field staff and promotion of public awareness resulted in positive community engagement.