Adherence to public health advice during the COVID-19 outbreak [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effectiveness, acceptability and impact of public health advice during the containment and delay phases of the COVID-19 response
IRAS ID
284629
Contact name
Isabel Oliver
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Public Health England
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Measures to contain and delay COVID-19 in the UK include targeted advice to self-isolate for confirmed cases, contacts and symptomatic people, “shielding” for extremely vulnerable people and social distancing for the rest of the population. Evidence suggests that advice to self-isolate is not always adhered to and experiencing self-isolation can have detrimental effects on mental health and wellbeing. We aim to assess the effectiveness, acceptability and impact of isolation and distancing interventions to strengthen the current management of COVID-19. \nWe will implement a series of mixed-methods evaluations, focusing on self-isolation and social distancing. This includes an evaluation of self-isolation and social distancing advice during the containment and delay phases of the COVID-19 response, using a quantitative survey and follow-up interviews with people identified through: contact tracing activities, extremely vulnerable “shielded” individuals and the general population. We will determine barriers and facilitators to adherence and assess the impact of advice on health and wellbeing, including identifying any differences between the different groups. \nWe will produce interim and final reports, focusing on policy and practice implications for communicating advice to “shield”, self-isolate and socially distance and the development of a communications strategy.\n [Study relying on COPI notice]
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/HRA/2549
Date of REC Opinion
22 May 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion