Provider attitudes and satisfaction with rapid preoperative point-of-care COVID-19 testing using ID NOW™

Area of Science:

• Medical Diagnostics
• Infectious Disease Control
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Healthcare workers faced significant anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when treating patients with unknown infection status.
• Maintaining staff wellbeing is crucial during public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of rapid preoperative point-of-care COVID-19 testing (Abbott ID NOW) on operating room (OR) staff wellbeing and workflow.
• To determine OR staff opinions and beliefs regarding point-of-care testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, mixed-methods cross-sectional survey was conducted among OR staff (nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, ancillary staff) at a single Canadian center.
• The survey assessed staff satisfaction with the Abbott ID NOW test, its impact on OR workflow, and concerns about COVID-19 transmission after three months of use.

Main Results:

• A 56% response rate (n=133) was achieved, with anesthesiologists having a 100% response rate.
• Staff reported high satisfaction (mean 4.4/5) with the Abbott ID NOW for rapid preoperative COVID-19 testing.
• 90% of respondents recommended continued use of the test on asymptomatic patients during community COVID-19 transmission, citing increased OR safety for staff and patients.

Conclusions:

• Rapid point-of-care COVID-19 testing enhanced workplace safety and improved staff morale.
• The Abbott ID NOW test effectively reduced staff anxiety related to COVID-19 transmission without significantly disrupting OR workflow.