Challenges with text-based messaging platform to perform social needs assessments of patients presenting with COVID-19-like illness at an urban academic emergency department.

Objectives: To evaluate the challenges encountered when using technology-based recruitment and electronic consenting to conduct social needs assessment of patients presenting with COVID-19-like illness at an urban academic emergency department.

Methods: COVID-19 Testing Registry (CTR) was established in the emergency department of UI Health in Chicago, Illinois. An online survey platform REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) was used, through which a standardized text message was sent to the mobile devices of eligible patients who tested positive for COVID-19.