Effectiveness of an RT-PCR testing protocol for SARS-CoV-2 on the preservation of the health workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil: a randomized, parallel group clinical trial

Introduction: the rapid expansion of the pandemic COVID-19, a disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, characterized by viral pneumonia, severe in up to 20% of cases, seriously threatens the capacity of health systems to support the explosion in health care demand observed. High transmissibility represents a high occupational risk to the health workforce, which provides assistance to patients. Many health professionals will be infected and will have to leave work, further reducing the health care capacity of already overburdened health systems. Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy of a molecular testing protocol for SARS-CoV-2, for a quick and safe return to the work of health professionals on suspicion of COVID-19, in order to preserve the specialized workforce. Methodology: randomized clinical trial, including health professionals (doctors, physiotherapists, nurses and nursing technicians) from Brazilian University Hospitals, away from work due to suspicion of COVID-19. Participants will be randomized to (1) return to work guided by a defined molecular testing protocol (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 or (2) usual conduct in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 testing, with removal of the professional by 14 days. Primary outcome: time off work. Secondary outcomes: hospital admissions and deaths due to COVID-19 among health professionals. Calculated sample size: 252 participants. Statistical analyzes: comparison of means by the Student's t test, comparison of frequencies by the chi-square; alpha 0.05. Expected results: the molecular testing protocol will possibly reduce the average time off work for health professionals suspected of COVID-19, allowing early return for those whose SARS-CoV-2 infection has been ruled out. Relevance: the faster replenishment of the workforce will contribute to the relative preservation of the health care capacity of the health system.