A first of its kind online testing program has been successfully reaching those seeking testing for sexually-transmitted infections and blood borne diseases.
In partnership with Interior Health and LifeLabs, the BC Centre for Disease Control’s online testing program expanded to two Interior Health communities in 2016: Nelson and Kamloops. Now an evaluation shows the program is effectively reaching those who have faced barriers to testing in the past, as well as those at higher risk of infection and first-time testers.
GetCheckedOnline allows participants to print a lab form, then go to a participating LifeLabs site to give samples and get results online or over the phone, skipping doctors visits along the way.
“An individual’s sexual health can be neglected based on shame, embarrassment, or inconvenience. But if Sexually Transmitted Infections are not identified and treated they can result in serious health concerns,” said Maja Karlsson, HIV and Health Outreach Manager, Interior Health.
“The results of this evaluation clearly underscore the value of this free and convenient online testing service, particularly for those at increased risk.”
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GetCheckedOnline is an internet-based service that allows people to test for sexually-transmitted and blood borne infections without needing to visit a doctor, and to get their results online.
The program first launched in 2014 in Vancouver and is the first provincial program of its kind in Canada. In 2016, GetCheckedOnline was expanded to Kamloops and Nelson within Interior Health, as well as Victoria, Langford and Duncan on Vancouver Island. The communities were selected to include a cross-section of rural and urban communities.
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An evaluation of the first 18-months shows GetCheckedOnline has been successful in Interior Health. In a survey, 100 per cent of GetCheckedOnline clients in Interior Health were satisfied or very satisfied with their testing experience and 96 per cent said they would use the service again. Other results show:
- 590 individuals in IH have tested with GetCheckedOnline during this 18-month period.
- 21 per cent of all positive diagnoses through GetCheckedOnline were from Interior Health.
- 20 per cent reported it was their first time testing.
- GetCheckedOnline is reaching those in Interior Health who have a higher risk of infection:
- 42 per cent reported having condomless sex;
- 16 per cent reported having four-or-more sexual partners;
- 13 per cent reported having a previous STI diagnosis in the past year.
Research showed that before using GetCheckedOnline, clients had experienced challenges such as long wait times for appointments, difficulty getting to a clinic, shame around testing, or fear of judgement from health-care providers, when accessing traditional testing.
“GetCheckedOnline helps people take control of their sexual health,” said Dr. Mark Gilbert, GetCheckedOnline’s medical lead with the BCCDC. “There are a number of reasons why people don’t test – it could be clinic hours or wait times, stigma, or embarrassment talking about sex with their doctor. GetCheckedOnline helps break down those barriers and makes it easier for people to test.”
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC, working with the five geographic health authorities to deliver province-wide solutions that improve the health of British Columbians. For more information, visit www.phsa.ca or follow us on Twitter @PHSAofBC.
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