Recommendations based on barriers to testing
| Barrier | Recommendation |
| Conceptualising health and illness | Provide clear information about what asymptomatic transmission is and how testing can help reduce the risk of transmission. |
| Lack of autonomy | Provide local shops with testing kits. This will allow local residents that do not have online access or are unable to travel to their nearest chemist to get testing kits when needed. |
| Unmet information needs | Authority figures should provide clear messaging to young people about testing. This may help young people understand the importance of participating in regular testing. Government/NHS websites should provide targeted information about the importance of testing that is aimed at young people. This should be a separate page that includes language that is suitable for young people. It should include information on why young people should get tested, how they do it, what to do once they have completed the test and key information about COVID-19 (eg, case numbers and reasons for high case numbers, that are specific to their geographical area). Involve young people in the production of testing materials and messages to ensure that instructions are clear to follow and can be understood by those of a younger age. |
| Language barriers relating to testing kits | Make paper copies of testing messages and instruction booklets available in different languages so that they are inclusive to all. Having these only as digital copies excludes populations that are not able to access or understand digital devices. Provide clear instructions and pictures of what a positive and negative test look like, this should stop any confusion between the letters that are on the testing device. Involve young people in the production of testing materials and messages to ensure that instructions are clear to follow and can be understood by those of a younger age. |
| Challenges with the testing process | Provide clear instructions for how to report a test, including visual demonstrations such as videos. Provide alternative methods of reporting for those who do not have digital or online access. |
| Fear of testing positive | Provide clear information on what it means to test positive. This should include information on support available to young people that need to self-isolate due to a positive test result. As results are received in the absence of a medical or trained professional, clear information aimed at young people should aim to eliminate any fear or stigma that is associated with a positive test result. |