Discussion
sore
MONKEYPOX
Our study has shown that the high-touch model can improve resource linkage through increased referral and uptake rates for structurally vulnerable communities most impacted by COVID-19. Many have critiqued conventional contact tracing as failing the most structurally vulnerable communities that may be less able to weather the economic impact of a positive diagnosis or the work disruption associated with isolation and quarantine [Our findings have several other implications. First, our research-practice partnership demonstrates the feasibility and promise of rigorous program evaluation while in the throes of a public health crisis. The design of a cluster randomized trial, which could be implemented in real-time with the technology available and account for multiple practical assignment and treatment constraints, was possible through a commitment to the principles of co-production, including: sharing of data and operational access; investment of researcher and practitioner time into frequent and reciprocal consultation; and clear translation of technical concepts between academic and public health domains [Second, the high-touch model and its results have implications beyond COVID-19 response. As noted, increasing uptake of public programs has been a sore point in service delivery and an active area of research. The integration of social services and public health may prove useful in increasing uptake in many other settings, such as connecting monkeypox patients with health care resources [Third, our evaluation supports prior research that highlights the substantial role that administrative or logistical complexity may play in low uptake rates of social services. For instance, while the program’s effects were most pronounced in areas of food assistance and cleaning supplies, there was no statistically significant effect on motel placement referral or uptake rate. This is consistent with the simpler eligibility requirements for motel placement and the more complex process for getting approval for food assistance and cleaning supplies, suggesting that the high-touch contact tracers, whose roles included resource navigation, most benefited clients seeking resources with more complex application processes [Last, our results show that community health work can be integrated even in large-scale, urgent public health interventions or areas lacking in existing participation by community health organizations [