Experiences with COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing: A qualitative analysis.

Case investigation and contact tracing (CI/CT) is a critical part of the public health response to COVID-19. Individuals' experiences with CI/CT for COVID-19 varied based on geographic location, changes in knowledge and guidelines, access to testing and vaccination, as well as demographic characteristics including age, race, ethnicity, income, and political ideology. In this paper, we explore the experiences and behaviors of adults with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results, or who were exposed to a person with COVID-19, to understand their knowledge, motivations, and facilitators and barriers to their actions. We conducted focus groups and one-on-one interviews with 94 cases and 90 contacts from across the United States. We found that participants were concerned about infecting or exposing others, which motivated them to isolate or quarantine, notify contacts, and get tested. Although most cases and contacts were not contacted by CI/CT professionals, those who were reported a positive experience and received helpful information. Many cases and contacts reported seeking information from family, friends, health care providers, as well as television news and Internet sources. Although participants reported similar perspectives and experiences across demographic characteristics, some highlighted inequities in receiving COVID-19 information and resources.

Factors influencing patients' receptiveness to evidence-based recommendations during the clinical encounter.

AIM: To identify the factors that promote or interfere with evidence-based clinical decisions from the patient perspective. MATERIALS & METHODS: We developed four hypothetical scenarios with clinical decisions, such as whether to pursue testing for a chronic condition. We conducted eight focus groups to better understand the influences on individuals' decisions in the context of the scenarios. RESULTS: A patient's relationship with a physician emerged as the strongest influence on whether participants would accept or reject a physician's recommendation. Various patient characteristics and a patient's financial capacity were also important influences. CONCLUSION: Our findings point to the potential for interventions that improve communications and relationships between physicians and patients to promote evidence-based care.