Patient attitudes towards universal COVID-19 screening: A survey of
pregnant women undergoing universal screening at an East London Hospital
Abstract
Objective To explore patients’ attitudes and acceptability of universal
screening for COVID-19 in a maternity population. Design Pre-screening
and post-screening patient surveys Setting London Population Women
admitted to the Maternity Unit at Newham Hospital during a two-week
trial period of universal screening. Methods Cluster random sampling was
used to select participants to complete the pre-screening questionnaire.
Post-screening questionnaires were performed over the telephone. Main
outcome measured Agreement to statements regarding patient’s
acceptability of the SARS-CoV-2 screening test and the impact screening
had on the care provided to themselves and their babies. Results During
the two-week period, 180 women underwent universal screening. 81
participants completed the pre-screening questionnaire and 79
participants completed the post-screening survey (72-85% completion
rate). More than 70% of women agreed that routine screening resulted in
a positive effect on their care, the care of their babies and on their
families. More than 80% of women agreed that they would be happy with
their care if all pregnant women were offered testing for COVID-19 on
admission to hospital. However, 50.62% of women agreed that having a
COVID-19 screening swab test taken was uncomfortable and 35.80% were
worried about the test results. Nulliparous women were more likely to
perceive the positive impacts of screening on their care, their babies
care, and their families as compared to multiparous women. Conclusion
Our study provides evidence that patient acceptability and tolerance to
COVID-19 screening is high, which is key for future implementation of
universal screening across maternity services in the UK.