Ipsos MORI to Support Covid Home Testing Initiative

Ipsos MORI is to support the UK government's new home testing programme for coronavirus, which aims to track levels of infection in the community.

Commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care, the programme will see 100,000 people sent self-testing kits to determine if they are currently infected with the virus, and potentially how many have been infected and recovered since the outbreak began. The aim is to provide authorities with a clearer picture of the current spread of the disease, help identify individuals who may have some immunity, and plan services for those who do not.

The programme will be led by a team of scientists, clinicians and researchers at Imperial College London, alongside colleagues at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Ipsos MORI; with results added to the data already being collected by Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics. Ipsos MORI involvement is extensive - from support in designing the research instruments and approach, to leading on the logistical aspects of the study. In addition, the firm is in charge of the sampling process and management throughout the initiative; and is also responsible for the distribution of the testing kits, development and management of the registration and testing research web sites, running the helpline and providing a real-time data portal that will integrate questionnaire data with test data.

Kelly Beaver, MD Ipsos MORI, comments: 'The Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute is proud to have the opportunity to support the government's ongoing response to this pandemic, through delivery of this research study, alongside colleagues from Imperial College London. The importance of getting a scientific and robust estimate of the prevalence of the virus, and potentially how many have been infected and recovered since the outbreak began cannot be understated. It is critical in supporting decision making over the months ahead'.

Web site: www.ipsos.com .