Using Rapid Point-of-Care Testing to Reduce Respiratory Virus Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Homes

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether faster testing for respiratory viruses like Influenza, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus RSV can reduce the number and size of virus outbreaks in long-term care homes. The trial compares rapid point-of-care testing with existing laboratory testing methods to see if quicker results help control virus spread among residents. This study is led by Michael Garron Hospital and involves long-term care facilities linked to specific Ontario Health Teams. The study involves two groups one uses a point-of-care respiratory test platform located within the care facility to provide quick test results, while the other group continues using the existing respiratory virus testing platforms. The rapid testing device aims to deliver results faster than traditional lab methods, potentially allowing for timely infection control measures. The study is randomized and does not include blinding. Participants are long-term care residents in facilities engaged with Ontario Health Teams overseen by Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Michael Garron Hospital, or Humber River Health. Researchers will track the number of residents infected with the targeted viruses over seven months, along with outbreak frequency, hospital transfers, deaths, outbreak duration, and secondary attack rates. No study blinding is used, and the trial runs until March 2026, monitoring outcomes at various intervals from 14 days to 60 days depending on the measure.

Respiratory Outbreak Mitigation in Long-Term Care Using Point-of-Care Testing