Active Finding Development Model of Sampling Quality Improvement Model Using Nasopharyngeal Swab and Throat Swab for Active Finding of Persons Exposed to COVID-19 by Medical technologists and Multidisciplinary Care Teams at Taphraya District, Sa Kaeo Province

Abstract

The COVID outbreak has necessitated the mobilization of manpower from diverse fields to gather samples from various demographic groups, resulting in variations of sample quality. The aims of this research were to assess the quality enhancement of sample collection for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing and to examine the strategy for proactive identifying individuals exposed to COVID-19 infection with the involvement of medical technicians and multidisciplinary care teams at Ta Phraya district, Sa Kaeo province. Research and development (R&D) in conjunction with systematic instruction based on the "ADDIE Model" was employed to conduct this study with samples of 30 multidisciplinary personnel. The samples involved in a five-step research process: 1) context and problem analysis; 2) designing and development of quality process; 3) model development; 4) model application; and 5) model evaluation. Data collection was conducted through the administration of questionnaires and performance evaluation forms. Data were analyzed using one group pre-posttest design.

The results revealed that after applying the developed model, the multidisciplinary care teams exhibited higher the average scores in their knowledge and practical skills related to specimen collection using the Nasopharyngeal swab and Throat swab methods about 3.27 points (S.D.=3.03) with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The criteria for specimen rejection rate, set as at a maximum of 1%, was successfully met at 0%. Moreover, the accuracy in submitting samples for SAR-CoV-2 testing via the Real time RT-PCR method was met at 100%, aligning with the setting goal. This resulted in 92% satisfaction rate among those receiving further testing for SAR-CoV-2 infection using the Real time RT-PCR method, exceeding the goal of 85%. A model for proactive identification of COVID-19 exposure of the individuals had been refined into a 4-step process, leading to a substantial reduction of 1.30 hours in waiting times. This improvement not only enhances the quality of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) sample collection, but also establishes a structured approach for identifying individuals exposed to COVID-19 infection. The multidisciplinary care teams can apply this model as a potential prototype for other projects.