A risk assessment tool for resumption of research activities during the COVID-19 pandemic for field trials in low resource settings.
BMC Med Res Methodol
; 21(1): 68, 2021 04 12.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1181086
ABSTRACT
RATIONALE The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has suspended many non-COVID-19 related research activities. Where restarting research activities is permitted, investigators need to evaluate the risks and benefits of resuming data collection and adapt procedures to minimize risk. OBJECTIVES:
In the context of the multicountry Household Air Pollution Intervention (HAPIN) trial conducted in rural, low-resource settings, we developed a framework to assess the risk of each trial activity and to guide protective measures. Our goal is to maximize the integrity of reseach aims while minimizing infection risk based on the latest scientific understanding of the virus.METHODS:
We drew on a combination of expert consultations, risk assessment frameworks, institutional guidance and literature to develop our framework. We then systematically graded clinical, behavioral, laboratory and field environmental health research activities in four countries for both adult and child subjects using this framework. National and local government recommendations provided the minimum safety guidelines for our work.RESULTS:
Our framework assesses risk based on staff proximity to the participant, exposure time between staff and participants, and potential viral aerosolization while performing the activity. For each activity, one of four risk levels, from minimal to unacceptable, is assigned and guidance on protective measures is provided. Those activities that can potentially aerosolize the virus are deemed the highest risk.CONCLUSIONS:
By applying a systematic, procedure-specific approach to risk assessment for each trial activity, we were able to protect our participants and research team and to uphold our ability to deliver on the research commitments we have made to our staff, participants, local communities, and funders. This framework can be tailored to other research studies conducted in similar settings during the current pandemic, as well as potential future outbreaks with similar transmission dynamics. The trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov NCT02944682 on October 26. 2016 .Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Risk Assessment
/
Biomedical Research
/
Pandemics
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Randomized controlled trials
/
Systematic review/Meta Analysis
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
BMC Med Res Methodol
Journal subject:
Medicine
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S12874-021-01232-x
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