Table 3.

Proposed Solutions to COVID-19 Testing Program Failures from Patient and Provider Interviews during Early Implementation and Mid-Implementation Phases

Patients		Providers
Phase 1/Early Implementation Themes (n) - Subthemes	Phase 2/Mid-Implementation Themes(n) -Subthemes	Phase 1/Early Implementation Themes (n) -Subthemes	Phase 2/Mid-Implementation Themes (n) -Subthemes
Advertising/sharing information - Clarity about when and where testing is offered	Advertising/sharing information (n = 6) - Provide visual pieces describing the testing program at testing site (n = 2) - Publicize when and where testing is offered on website or social media - Use TV, flyers, schools/parents, word of mouth to publicize - Make information very specific and short - Explain the study to people in writing	Education (n = 2) - Provide a hands-on demonstration of the testing process to show it is harmless - Provide education about testing and vaccination	Safety (Staff) (n = 4) - Provide N95s for those in front line contact with symptomatic patients - Designate a place for PPE donning and doffing - Set up separate testing areas for symptomatic and asymptomatic test-seekers - Collect surveys from symptomatic patients after their quarantine period
Education - Help people understand the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic	Access to testing (n = 5) - Offer extended hours (n = 3) - Offer Sundays, with no appointment - Move testing location to a more secure, safe, private space indoors	Access to testing - Locate testing site in front of clinic	Physical operations (n = 3) - Use floor stickers to designate 6 feet distance for those standing and moving in line - Use signs to indicate where to go and/or barriers so people can't go another way - Stock up on supplies when a surge is expected
Handling test results/ Return of results - Send test results by email	Handling test results/ Return of results (n = 3) - Send test results by text - Communicate with the patient’s doctor - Suggest to patients they should set up an email account if don’t have one	Handling test results/ Return of results - Emphasize the importance of being able to get hold off people to give test results	Recruitment strategy/communication with patients (n = 3) - Disclose what the survey is, what it will be used for, and how long it will take up front to build trust - Share how participation will help someone else - Speak to people on their level, not coming down from a position of authority, and use words they understand
Provide testimonials from people who had COVID-19 infection to convince others	Introduce the survey with a typed half sheet of paper so patients are prepared when they go to the check in table with questions	Order tests through study staff, not through the health center system	Advertising/sharing information (n = 2)
	Randomize the survey item order	Provide free follow-up appointments/calls to patients with positive results for those with no insurance or newly registered	Access to testing – Offer extended hours and weekends
		Testing options offered – Provide saliva tests for pediatric patients	Handling test results/ Return of results - Send positive results to patient’s provider in an email
			Testing options offered - Provide rapid antigen tests

Bold text indicates a theme repeated across time and/or patients and providers

N indicates the number of times mentioned