187 Difficulties advising non-native speakers and older adults after point-of-care testing

Abstract PTH 1: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 1, B307 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 14:30 - 15:30 Aims Point-of-care testing (POCT), defined as rapid testing conducted by healthcare workers (HCWs) near or at the patient’s location, has proven effective in diagnosing and monitoring infectious diseases. It allows patients to receive their test results and subsequent behavioral guidance immediately afterwards. However, some individuals may struggle to comprehend the information provided. This study aimed to identify specific groups that faced challenges in understanding guidance given after POCT during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We surveyed 662 HCWs in primary care about their experiences with administering POCT during the COVID-19 pandemic. One section of the questionnaire focused on identifying groups that faced difficulties in understanding instructions after receiving test results, both before and after receiving subsequent guidance. We conducted descriptive analyses. Results Older adults (261; 39%) and non-native speakers (239; 36%) were most frequently identified as having difficulties understanding what to do after receiving test results but before receiving guidance. After receiving guidance, older adults (184; 28%) and non-native speakers (204; 31%) remained the most frequently identified groups. Conclusion Many HCWs who administered POCT during the COVID-19 pandemic observed that, compared to other patients, older adults and non-native speakers faced challenges in understanding instructions after receiving their test results, both before and after receiving behavioral guidance.