Over 305,000 automated COVID-19 test result notifications sent by the SHA
Last year, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) successfully launched an auto-notification system which allowed anyone tested for COVID-19 in Saskatchewan to be quickly informed of their positive or negative COVID-19 lab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result by text message and computer generated voice-call message notifications.
A year later in May 2022, we celebrate the one year anniversary of this system which sent over 305,000 automated messages at a 97 per cent receival rate to tested individuals. The auto-notification system efficiently saved 40,000 hours of staff member time on test result notification.
During the height of the Coronavirus Delta variant wave in 2021, the auto-notification system was sending COVID-19 lab PCR test result notifications to patients within two days from the time the patient was swabbed at a PCR testing site, to them receiving the notification. Prior to the auto-notification system being implemented, it could take over 10 days for tested individuals to receive the manual notifications for negative COVID-19 PCR test results.
The Auto-Notification team was successful in their efforts as a result of their partnership and engagement with multiple SHA portfolios including, Communications, Digital Health, Operations, Privacy and eHealth. Thorough communications were developed by the team and provided to the public and SHA staff to ensure everyone was aware of what to expect with the automated system.
“The auto-notification process for COVID-19 results was a key improvement in timely information flow to the public and a support for our Communicable Disease teams so they could shift focus on other key components of case investigation and outbreak responses,” said Jacquie Holzmann, Executive Director PHC/Co-Lead Offensive Strategy.
Auto-notification continues to be an efficient and cost effective way to notify individuals of their COVID-19 test results and reach those who have been confirmed as a positive COVID-19 case so they can start self-isolation immediately.
For more information about automated COVID-19 test results, please visit Test Results on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.
For further information on authority, please visit The Public Health Act, 1994 and The Disease Control Regulations.
