Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center (ERIC)

CSP #2028 - Epidemiology, Immunology and Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 (EPIC³)

This study wants to better understand how infection by SARS-CoV-2, also called Coronavirus, and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, impacts Veterans. 

By doing this study, we hope to learn new important information about SARS-CoV-2 infections and potentially severe outcomes of COVID-19, so that we can find better ways to manage and treat it in the future. We also hope to learn what makes some people more susceptible to infection so that we can help better inform Veterans on how to lessen their risk of infection.

The study involves Veterans infected with SARS-CoV-2 and those who have recovered or who may be at risk but have not been infected by the virus. The study will include multiple VA facilities to reach Veterans receiving inpatient and outpatient care, and those Veterans residing in VA’s Community Living Centers. Participants will be asked to complete study questionnaires and to donate biospecimens, including blood draws and nose and throat swabs. This is an invitation only study that will follow participants for up to 2 years. Participants may also be included in an EPIC³ data and biospecimen repository.   

A similar study is being conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD) involving active-duty service members. At the end of their respective studies, VA and DOD researchers plan to compare findings from the two study groups.

Official VA press release: VA conducts deep-dive study into effects of COVID-19 on Veterans

Study enrollment for July 2020 through October 2022 (conclusion of enrollment)

The Enrollment Summary shows numbers of patients who were eligible, approached, and enrolled.  These are stratified by study cohort: In-Patient, Out-Patient, Community Living Center (CLC).  Each study cohort is further stratified by the participants’ SARS-CoV-2 infection status at enrollment, based on COVID-19 test results during a specified time period prior to enrollment (Positive or Negative).  Participants in the CLC cohort were not required to have COVID-19 test results.

Note: SARS-CoV-2 infection status at enrollment is computed using electronic health record (EHR) data. The numbers in these tables may shift as the definition of SARS-CoV-2 infection status is refined for the CSP #2028 study. Documentation for calculated variables such as SARS-CoV-2 infection status can be shared with investigators upon request.

For Investigators

• Study goals and methods
• Data documentation
• Study progress
• Study description from the VA Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) Integrated Veteran Epidemiologic Study Data Resource (INVESTD-R)
• Scientific product: Early outcomes of SARS-COV-2 infection (poster)

Contact

CSP2028CC@va.gov

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