Drive-through Satellite Testing: An Efficient Precautionary Method of Screening Patients for SARS-CoV-2 in a Rural Healthcare Setting. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molling, Paul E.; Holst, Tanner T.; Anderson, Benjamin G.; Fitzgerald, Kevin; Eddy, Megan; Weber, Bradley D.; Schwan, Brenda; Heiderscheit, Chris J.; Jagim, Andrew R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of primary care & community health. Volume 11(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- testing -- rural health -- respiratory virus -- pandemic; Primary health care -- Periodicals; Primary health care -- United States -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; Community health services -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.12
• DOI: 10.1177/2150132720947963
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2150-1319

Abstract

The first documented case of COVID-19 in the United States occurred on January 30th, 2020. Soon after, a global pandemic was declared in March 2020 with each state issuing stay at home orders based on population, risk for community transmission and current number of positive cases. A priority for each region was to develop efficient systems for testing large patient volumes in a safe manner to reduce the risk of community transmission. A community based United States health care system in the upper mid-west implemented a drive through testing site in an attempt to divert suspected cases of COVID-19 away from larger patient areas while protecting staff and patients. This commentary outlines the planning, work flow and challenges of implementing this drive through testing site in a rural community setting.