Dataset from Bridging the Evidence-to-Practice Gap: Evaluating Practice Facilitation as a Strategy to Accelerate Translation of a Systems-Level Adherence Intervention into Safety Net Practices / Project EVIDENCE

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the multilevel factors influencing uptake of COVID-19 testing and vaccination among Black and Latinx patients living in New York City, who experienced the highest rates of hospitalizations and mortality during the pandemic. These communities were less likely to receive timely testing, which increased transmission and limited access to treatment. Since Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provided most care for Black and Latinx populations, the study used the NYU Langone Health FQHC network to address gaps in testing and follow-up care.

Materials/Methods: This three-phase study used a sequential mixed-methods design. Phase 1 analyzed electronic health record data from Black and Latinx FQHC patients to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and healthcare utilization factors associated with PCR testing. The patients completed validated self-report measures to assess community- and structural-level determinants. Phase 2 integrated the quantitative findings with qualitative data from focus groups, ethnographic observations, and document analyses to capture organizational, cultural, and ethical factors affecting testing and potential vaccination. In Phase 3, the Community Oversight Task Force guided the integration of all data to refine, test, and disseminate data governance guidelines and tailored toolkits on COVID-19 testing and vaccines.

Outcome/Impact: The study findings supported the development of practical outreach strategies for safety-net healthcare settings and informed data governance tools to guide future large-scale testing and vaccination initiatives in vulnerable communities.