[Closed] Letter requesting you to sign up for an Imp College, Covid, research study❓

Why not? I’d certainly take part if I got a letter, in a way I’m already sort of helping, in a citizen science fashion; there’s an app, set up by Vodaphone Foundation and Imperial College London, and it uses my phone and tablet to run calculations for C19 research while they’re plugged in overnight.
So far my phone has crunched 966 calculations over 10 days, 16 hours and 3 minutes.
My tablet has done 13 days, 12 hours 18 minutes, and crunched 2437 calculations. Every little helps.

To be honest mate out more about thre fact it's taking a kit and the time/resources from someone that might provide more relevant data.

In the bigger picture though I suppose each bit of data builds up the understanding.

Unless part of the data they want is how many people shielding have caught it off food packageing etc.

Or just to in the population in general, it wouldnt be accurate if tou only tested people who were still at work or ignoring other guidelines / rules.

It’s all data there’s more accurate picture plus it may show if it was carried in from elsewhere.

someone that might provide more relevant data.

If she was asked randomly she IS providing relevant data - she is representing people like her who have been shielding since before lockdown. This is one part of the population at large.

This is data that is pretty desperately needed right now , makes sense.
I'm assuming imperial have done their ethics compliance, so patient data will be pseudo anonymised

I wasn't aware that Imperial were also involved with a test survey, but there are several (the official ONS survey is being conducted through Uni Oxford and IQVIA and the COVID-19 Survey by Kings College London you have to have downloaded the app to be selected).

As others have said, you need to sample all parts of the population to avoid sampling bias. You might also over-invite some target demographics where you expect low participation etc. It is very well thought through by the statisticians and basically, the more data they get the better. It seems that often these tests aren't being collected or are simply failing. So if your mother is happy with the T&Cs and privacy / anonymity that the ethics statement claims, then she should absolutely take part.

Note some of the surveys are looking for antibodies rather than the Coronavirus. Given the gathering evidence that there were outbreaks in the UK in Dec 2019 and there was lots of worldwide movement of people for months before lockdown, even with someone sheltering since mid-March she could well have been exposed.

My wife got one. It’s a joint ONS HMG BMA and ICL initiative.

I downloaded the COVID-19 Survey by Kings College London App early on and have contributed every day. As part of the study I was invited to have a Swab Test in The 02 car park. Not a pleasant experience but it is all data for the study.
It takes less than a minute each day and more than 3.5 million people are contributing. They are currently seeking funding via individual donations to raise £1m.

As above, do it - its critical data.

She may be asymptomatic.

You have to stick it really far up your nose though.

Has anyone got links to the Apps?

The Kings College London survey app is here: https://covid.joinzoe.com/ . Only a proportion of users will be asked if they are willing to be tested.

The ONS testing survey you get a letter if you are selected.

All valid points guys, I'll discuss it with mum. She's 90 and it might be a little thorny as an issue but I see its merits.

Ah, she can't have the test due to having an increased risk of bleeding due to meds. That's the response after trying to sign her up for it.

Do you think they just think it could cause a nose bleed? I suspect that's what they are concerned of.