Testing and trust: Public perceptions, expectations, and experiences of COVID-19 testing in Scotland

Abstract

COVID-19 testing is a cornerstone of long-term pandemic control. Public trust in testing is essential to the success of the government’s testing strategy. This rapid qualitative study investigated public understandings, expectations, and experiences of COVID-19 testing in Lothian, Scotland. The study explored how people understand the purpose and value of tests, their motivations to undergo testing and follow government guidelines, and the ways in which perceptions and experiences of testing affect trust in government and health services. The study aimed to contribute to social understandings of medical testing, and to provide rapid feedback to the government and institutions involved in the administration of COVID-19 testing to help improve the efficacy of testing programmes.