Presenter: Kimberly Tan, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars
For my practicum project, I decided to work as a clinical research assistant for the CATCH the Virus Study on campus. The purpose of the study is to look for a variety of patterns within physiological and chemical biomarkers that can make one more susceptible or contagious to acute respiratory infections, particularly influenza. As influenza continues to be a persistent issue today, taking tens of thousands of deaths every year, it is important to understand the signs of when someone becomes contagious, as well as transmission pathways. My duties as a research assistant include obtaining biological samples from our participants such as venous blood and mid-turbinate nasal swabs, consenting participants against IRB guidelines, and data entry into RedCap, a secured database.
Nice presentation. Hearing about the familiar study I've heard in campus was interesting, especially because I was in Centreville Hall. I think you had a really interesting and unique experience. Good job!
Hi Kimberly!
I really liked your poster and watching your video presentation. I think it's amazing that you've been with the study since your first semester at UMD. The impact that the study has had on you is so cool! How do you believe the CATCH study will continue to progress and what impact do you believe that it will have on campus?
Best,
Ally Arias
Hi Reva!
Great question. I would screen individuals for COVID-19 by adding additional questions to the questionnaire for case visits (people who are sick). This could include ‘Were you in contact with a person with a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 within the past 2-14 days?’. In terms of looking explicitly at COVID-19 symptoms, the CATCH Study actually already screens for a variety of symptoms via the “Symptom Card” questionnaire where participants respond to the presence/degree of severity of particular symptoms. These symptoms include cough, fever/chills, and fatigue- the main symptoms of COVID-19.
Great presentation, Kimberly! Your presentation is very clear and informative. I can tell that you enjoyed your experience and learned a lot! Your project is particularly timely, given the current pandemic situation. What is one way you think you could potentially alter the CATCH study to incorporate COVID-19 symptoms going forward?