Background:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CommsForm application was implemented to support the online assessment and ordering of COVID-19 requisitions across Northern Health. People of Northern BC who qualified for testing, had easier access to book PCR tests in their home communities. A decision has been made to decommission the application. At the time of the decision, the online requisition ordering and booking system was handling less than 50 requisitions per week, which is significantly lower than we had been seeing. With the changes in testing guidelines, CommsForm is extremely costly to maintain at the current volumes.
Current State:
On July 31, 2022, CommsForm will be decommissioned for public use. The people of Northern BC will be able to access PCR tests after completing the BCCDC self-assessment through their Primary Care Provider (PCP), or through the virtual clinic for those who are unattached or are unable to access a PCP. The same criteria (those who are considered very high risk) will be maintained, and those with symptoms will be able to test using Rapid Tests available at local pharmacies.
If needed, CommsForm can be reinstated based on demand.
Dr. Jong Kim (Chief Medical Health Officer)
Tanis Hampe (VP, Population and Public Health)