Journal of Primary Care & Community Health (Aug 2020)

Drive-through Satellite Testing: An Efficient Precautionary Method of Screening Patients for SARS-CoV-2 in a Rural Healthcare Setting

  • Paul E. Molling,
  • Tanner T. Holst,
  • Benjamin G. Anderson,
  • Kevin Fitzgerald,
  • Megan Eddy,
  • Bradley D. Weber,
  • Brenda Schwan,
  • Chris J. Heiderscheit,
  • Andrew R. Jagim

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/2150132720947963
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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The first documented case of COVID-19 in the United States occurred on January 30th, 2020. Soon after, a global pandemic was declared in March 2020 with each state issuing stay at home orders based on population, risk for community transmission and current number of positive cases. A priority for each region was to develop efficient systems for testing large patient volumes in a safe manner to reduce the risk of community transmission. A community based United States health care system in the upper mid-west implemented a drive through testing site in an attempt to divert suspected cases of COVID-19 away from larger patient areas while protecting staff and patients. This commentary outlines the planning, work flow and challenges of implementing this drive through testing site in a rural community setting.