By Greg Fry

Interior Health: Online STI and HIV testing making a difference

Mar 29, 2018 | 3:58 PM

KAMLOOPS —An online testing program launched 18 months ago is helping reduce barriers.

Interior Health says the first-of-its-kind program – called GetCheckedOnline – has been successful in reaching those seeking testing for sexually-transmitted infections (STI) and blood borne dieseas.

The program was launched in Nelson and Kamloops in 2016 and is the result of a partnership between Interior Health and the BC Centre for Disease Control.

“An individuals’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 cleary underscore the value of this free and convenient online testing service, particularly for those at increased risk.”

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Interior Health says an evaluation of the first 18 months of GetCheckedOnline shows 100 per cent of clients were satisfied or very satisfied with their testing experience and 96 per cent said they would use the service again.

Other results show:

• 590 people in IH have tested wtih 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.

Interior Health says research showed that before GetCheckedOnline launched, 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.

Interior Health says discussions about further expanding the website are underway.

GetCheckedOnline is the first online service in Canada that offers confidential testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C.