This training consisted of a short presentation explaining the symptoms and burden of influenza, influenza surveillance, collection of nasal swabs, principles of the QuickVue rapid test, and instructions on how to perform the test.
Both tests contained the same practice items, test items, and instructions as the original published tests.
Patients were also provided with a glucose meter, testing supplies and testing instructions, and were expected to perform fasting SMBG at least three times per week and record testing results in a protocol-specific diary, which was reviewed by study research staff at each visit.
The internet-based adaptation of the PIATrc contained the same practice items, test items and instructions as the original published test.
Measurement in children could result in larger variations and poorer test-retest performance, however, due to lesser motor development and reduced postural control in children, as well as difficulties in concentrating on the tests and the instructions.
Improving the usage of RDTs itself was not the aim of this study, this was deliberately left to the considerations of the health care providers; we only provided the tests and the instructions for their use.
Before study start, neuropsychologists were instructed to use the same test order and instructions to patients.
Figure 1 displays an example test combination and instructions that were given to participants for completing the questionnaire.
On completion of the baseline interview, the appropriate intervention (decision aids or government screening booklet) and corresponding study materials (faecal occult blood test kit and instructions) were posted to participants.
