VTAC speeds up turnaround time on COVID-19 test results

RENFREW COUNTY – Individuals who have a COVID-19 test completed in Renfrew County can now typically access their results within 48 hours thanks to Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (VTAC)’s new electronic health record system, and partnership with Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA).

“We have understood residents’ concerns about the longer wait times for their COVID-19 results and how this can impact their ability to return to work or school,” VTAC clinical coordinator Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon said. “I am thrilled that through a collaborative approach, VTAC has introduced a new computer system in just a few weeks that will better serve our communities as we live safely with COVID-19 in our midst.”

Through a partnership with Arnprior Regional Health (ARH), VTAC has leveraged the hospital’s existing investment in the Connected Care Patient Portal to automate the COVID-19 test results process and make it conveniently available through the online patient portal. Additionally, the new partnership with EORLA has also helped enable the faster turnaround time for results.

“At VTAC, we continue to listen to residents’ feedback about their testing experience, investigate solutions and identify ways we can improve the testing services for all of our communities,” VTAC administrative lead Karen Simpson. “Our new automated process was possible through regional partnerships and will have a meaningful impact as we navigate the rest of the pandemic.”

VTAC COVID-19 swab results can now be accessed through the Connected Care Patient Portal if an individual chooses to register at the time of booking. If someone chooses not to register, they can only access their test results through the Government of Ontario website (the same turnaround timeline may not apply).

“Our ARH Team is pleased we could contribute to this project by leveraging our investment in the Connected Care Patient Portal,” ARH health information services and decision support and chief privacy officer Andrea McClymont said. “This has been a regional effort that will make it more convenient for individuals to access their COVID-19 test results – further enhancing the health and safety of our communities during the pandemic.”

Learn more about the new way of accessing COVID-19 test results here.