Evaluation of Perception of Medical and Paramedical Students towards Rapid Antigen Testing Program for COVID-19 in the City of Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Abstract

Introduction: WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on 11thMarch,2020. It was recommended to use standard Q COVID-19 Ag detection test as a point of care diagnostic assay for testing in the containment zones as well as hospitals in combination with the RT-PCR test.Medical students had been involved to carry out the Rapid Antigen Testing (R.A.T) Program.Objective: To evaluate perception of medical and paramedical students towards rapid antigen testing program (R.A.T.). Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted among Medical/Paramedical students of Ahmedabad, Gujarat participating in R.A.T. This program involved testing of people by standard Q COVID-19 Ag detection test. Patients who tested positive were isolated and counselled for further management. Feedback responses from the students were elicited regarding program effectiveness, utility and students’ satisfaction. Results: A total of 513 responses were recorded. 72.8% of the students perceived their communication skills to improve with patients. It helped 62.9% students to allay fear and apprehension regarding COVID.About77.8% of the students were extremely satisfied with the transport facility provided by the authorities. About 53% students were extremely satisfied with personal protective equipment. 36.6% students were extremely satisfied with remuneration. R.A.T. program invited intermediate rating with 34.8% students rating it as 7 or 8 on a scale of 0-10. Conclusion: Students reacted positively for the program and reported improvement in their communication skills. Most of the students were satisfied working at the community level during this pandemic and this program provided them unique chance to work at grassroots level. Undergraduate students for the first time were given individual responsibility as a health care worker in society. Hence, eliciting their perception and feedback was useful for all stakeholders.