Table 1 Thematic coding framework
Key theme | Code | Description/notes |
|---|---|---|
Factors influencing acceptance of testing | ||
Importance of avoiding self-isolation | Negative impact of isolation on physical and mental health | Impact of isolation on both self and family |
Negative impact of isolation on work/income | Particularly among those unable to work remotely or earn a wage during periods of isolation | |
Low impact | For example, people who were able to work remotely, had excellent support networks, and were content to spend time at home/alone | |
Confidence in test results | Estimated accuracy of test | Estimates (usually in percentages) of lateral flow test accuracy |
Repeat testing to increase accuracy | Multiple LFT / PCR tests to confirm / increase perceived accuracy | |
Experience of dis-concordant results | Either direct experience or vicarious experience of negative LFT and positive PCR | |
Good enough / better than nothing | Whilst acknowledging limitations, viewing testing as better than nothing | |
Perceived risk of infection | Exposure /proximity to case | Captures claims about distance/location/environment in which contact occurred |
Lack of symptoms | Participants’ belief that they are not infected due to a lack of symptoms | |
Impact of vaccine | Participants’ belief that they are unlikely to be infected due to having had the vaccine | |
Impact of belief on perceived need for isolation | Perceived (lack of) infection reducing motivation for isolation | |
Perceived risk of transmission | Risk of transmission | Captures anxieties regarding the potential for transmission to others (even if perceived risk of infection is low) |
Exposure to vulnerable individuals | Regular contact with vulnerable individuals increased concerns regarding risk of transmission | |
Knowledge and understanding | ||
Use of tests | How to use tests | Participants’ awareness and confidence for testing themselves correctly |
When to use tests | Understanding of when to use each test and why | |
Rules and regulations of DCT | Receipt and interpretation of rules and regulations | |
Impact of test results | ||
Maximising adherence | Testing as a way of encouraging people to isolate when they have a positive test result | |
Avoiding isolation | Avoiding unnecessary isolation | Including any comments about unnecessary isolation |
Low-risk/essential activities | Includes quotes about low-risk (e.g., zero contact) or essential (but possibly with contact) activities. Also includes comments about attempts to reduce risk during these activities | |
Facilitating return to normality | Including comments about testing as a possible way of reducing the need for isolation and facilitating a return to normal | |
Reassurance and peace of mind | Reassurance | Comments about feeling relieved and/or reassured by test results |
Potential for engagement in high-risk activities | Potential high-risk contact following negative test results (by both self and others) | |
Alternative use of testing | ||
Use of tests outside trial | Comments about how participants have / regularly use tests | |
Use of tests in PCR group | Comments about use of lateral flow testing among participants in the PCR group – including risk of non-adherence following negative test results | |
Initial contact with NHS test and trace | ||
Understanding /acceptance of test and trace | Comments by participants about not being contacted by NHS test and trace, or not believing communication to be genuine | |
Understanding of study procedures | Any comments regarding a lack of clarity regarding study procedures (e.g., lack of clarity regarding group allocation) | |