Insights into COVIDSmart CARE: End-User Experiences with a Digital Self-Testing Strategy for COVID-19
1
Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
2
College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
3
Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastrich, Netherlands
4
Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
5
Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A759
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
End-user experiences are instrumental in measuring the acceptability and feasibility of any health intervention, particularly digital health supports. COVIDSmart CARE digital program is an innovative solution to incorporate early detection, diagnosis and prevention into a digital COVID-19 self-testing strategy (COVIDST). Globally, studies have shown high acceptability for COVIDST, however, very little is known about end-user experiences with digital supports for COVIDST.
METHODS:
During our randomized controlled trial (RCT), we collected qualitative data from participants in Cape Town, South Africa, to understand their experiences with accessing and using the digital COVIDSmart CARE program. The collected data was qualitatively analyzed and refined by two independent researchers in NVivo. Using the Qualitative Content Analysis Process, four overarching themes were identified.
RESULTS:
The main themes were the beneficial features of COVIDSmart CARE digital program, general experience, knowledge, and needs and barriers. Most participants appreciated the clear video instructions as well as the ability to interpret their self-test results. Participants also stated that the application was easy to use and understand. Internet connectivity and the need for digital devices were seen as a barrier to accessing the application for future sustainability. Many participants also advocated for this application to be scaled to other clinics in the region.
CONCLUSIONS:
Based on the qualitative analysis, digital COVIDST was deemed acceptable in an overstretched resource setting like South Africa. However, there is a need to address systemic and structural barriers (i.e. poor internet connectivity, digital and health literacy, and an overall lack of access to smart phones/digital devices). With appropriate advancements in technology and accessibility and public-private partnerships that can enable access, COVIDSmart CARE digital program has the potential to be highly effective and feasible in low-resource settings and populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
End-user experiences are instrumental in measuring the acceptability and feasibility of any health intervention, particularly digital health supports. COVIDSmart CARE digital program is an innovative solution to incorporate early detection, diagnosis and prevention into a digital COVID-19 self-testing strategy (COVIDST). Globally, studies have shown high acceptability for COVIDST, however, very little is known about end-user experiences with digital supports for COVIDST.
METHODS:
During our randomized controlled trial (RCT), we collected qualitative data from participants in Cape Town, South Africa, to understand their experiences with accessing and using the digital COVIDSmart CARE program. The collected data was qualitatively analyzed and refined by two independent researchers in NVivo. Using the Qualitative Content Analysis Process, four overarching themes were identified.
RESULTS:
The main themes were the beneficial features of COVIDSmart CARE digital program, general experience, knowledge, and needs and barriers. Most participants appreciated the clear video instructions as well as the ability to interpret their self-test results. Participants also stated that the application was easy to use and understand. Internet connectivity and the need for digital devices were seen as a barrier to accessing the application for future sustainability. Many participants also advocated for this application to be scaled to other clinics in the region.
CONCLUSIONS:
Based on the qualitative analysis, digital COVIDST was deemed acceptable in an overstretched resource setting like South Africa. However, there is a need to address systemic and structural barriers (i.e. poor internet connectivity, digital and health literacy, and an overall lack of access to smart phones/digital devices). With appropriate advancements in technology and accessibility and public-private partnerships that can enable access, COVIDSmart CARE digital program has the potential to be highly effective and feasible in low-resource settings and populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
