The Impact of COVID-19 on the All of Us Research Program.

ABSTRACT

The All of Us Research Program, a health and genetics epidemiologic data collection, has been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the program is highly digital in nature, certain aspects of the data collection require in-person interaction between staff and participants. Before the pandemic, the program was enrolling approximately 12,500 participants per month at more than 400 clinic sites. In March 2020, all in-person activity at sites and by engagement partners was paused to develop processes and procedures for in-person activities that incorporate strict safety protocols because of the pandemic. In addition, the program adopted new data collection methodologies to reduce the need for in-person activities. Through February 2022, 224 clinic sites have reactivated in-person activity, and all enrollment and engagement partners have adopted new data collection methodologies that can be completed remotely. As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the program continues to require safety procedures for in-person activity and continues to generate and pilot methodologies that reduce risk and make it easier for participants to provide information.