The REACT study was launched in April 2020 as one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive coronavirus monitoring studies. The programme is led by world-class Imperial researchers in partnership with Ipsos MORI and commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care. REACT 1 and REACT 2 focused on home testing to track the progress of England’s epidemic. REACT -Long COVID (REACT-LC) uses the sample from the original studies to investigate biological, environmental, and social factors to discover why some people have persistent symptoms.
A significant feature of the REACT study is data linkage. With permission from 2.7 million patients, the REACT study linked their survey data to health data held by the NHS, including short—and medium-term health, including when they use NHS healthcare, what they are diagnosed with, and their prognosis. The REACT study uses this information to understand more about SARS-CoV-2, the effectiveness of vaccination, and other interventions.
Professor Graham Cooke is involved in evaluating rapid diagnostics of the REACT programme.
