The Implementation and Role of Antigen Rapid Test for COVID-19 in Hemodialysis Units
Jing Qi,
Jia Neng Tan,
Soh Heng Hui,
Neoh Choo Lim,
Titus Lau and
Sabrina Haroon ()
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Jing Qi: Division of Nephrology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
Jia Neng Tan: Division of Nephrology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
Soh Heng Hui: Division of Nephrology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
Neoh Choo Lim: Division of Nephrology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
Titus Lau: Division of Nephrology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
Sabrina Haroon: Division of Nephrology, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 22, 1-10
Abstract:
As we move into the third year with COVID-19, many countries have attempted to manage the disease as an endemic. However, this is limited by the disease’s morbidity and mortality, the emergence of new strains, and the effectiveness of the vaccine. This brief report describes, evaluates, and discusses the implementation of regular antigen rapid tests (ARTs) for COVID-19 in hemodialysis units. We introduced ARTs during the surge in our hemodialysis units. As compliance with the test was mandatory by regulatory requirements, we surveyed patients and caregivers to measure their acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the ART’s implementation. Acceptability measured confidence and level of comfort when performing ART tests, while appropriateness measured the perception of the necessity of ARTs, safety in the dialysis unit with the implementation of ARTs, and understanding using a Likert scale. Feasibility measured the perception of the timely start of dialysis treatment and the convenience of the test. Our survey found that ARTs were acceptable to 98% of patients and caregivers, with the majority reporting no discomfort. The majority of the patients agreed that ARTs were appropriate and feasible. We reported successful ART implementation in a healthcare setting with no false-positive or transmission within the unit during this period. Nevertheless, the long-term implementation outcome will require further evaluation.
Keywords: COVID-19; hemodialysis unit; antigen rapid testing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:15319-:d:978136
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